Colonial and Early American Newspaper Articles

The following articles are only a portion of what has yet to be posted. So stay tuned and please come back. Until I began to look into 18th Century newspapers, I did not realize that there were so many newspapers in the 1600 and 1700s that had been preserved. What has been found was written and published as the events were happening, these articles are historical in content for anyone who wants to understand how the Deportation came about and that the removal of the Acadians from their lands would come to pass no matter what. Some articles give a clear picture of the cruelty our Ancestors endured; they also reveal how some Acadians fought back and tried to retain their right to live in a place their families had called home for over one hundred years. One cannot help but feel the loss and frustration our Ancestors were subjected to when reading these articles - some will move you to tears as you read how homes, barns and Mass Houses were burned to the ground; livestock taken or slaughtered; nothing but devastation, destruction and exile or imprisonment.

1750

April 30, 1750
Boston Post Boy

Boston, Extract of A letter from a Gentleman at Halifax, Nova-Scotia, to His Friend in Boston, Dated April, 12, 1750

BOSTON.

Extract of A letter from a Gentleman at Halifax, Nova-Scotia, to His Friend in Boston, Dated April, 12, 1750
SIR,
In my last, you had an Account of the Expedition intended against the French and Indians at Chegnecto: Since which, on Thursday last, Maj. Lawrence with a Party of a Hundred and Fifty Gentlemen Volunteers and Soldiers, were transported to Sackville-Fort at the Head of the Bason; from whence they cross'd the Country to Minas, and are to be join'd by Capt. Rous in the Albany, attended with several armed Vessels : The Major will command about four Hundred Men on this Occasion, exclusive of those in the Sloops, who are to act on Board or ashore as the Service may require : The Forces are (it is said) to be landed on the North Side of Minas Bay, and are to proceed by Land to Chegnecto : The principal Officers with him are Capt. St. Loc, Capt. Bartelo, who commands all the Rangers, Capt. Scott, Capt. Clapham, Lieutenants Gorham, Pateshall, Winslow, Watmaugh, Arburthnot, Mr. Mitchel, and some other Officers of Col. Warlburton's, and Gentlemen on the half Pay List, whose Names I do not recollect.
The French Inhabitants, except a small Number, seem determined to leave the Province rather to than to take the Oaths to His Majesty : and it is come nearly to a Crises that must determine the Point with them : It is probably that the French Missionaries, as well as the principal Officers at Canada and Cape-Breton have encouraged a Defection of this Kind, as they find the British Ministry resolved to protect and secure so valuable a Country. Altho' the Bigotry of these Nova-Scotians alone is a most a sufficient Motive to carry them from a Place where their Religion has not the chief Countenance and Protection of the Civil Government.
If they actually leave us, their Improvements are so considerable as to make a Number of fine Settlements for those who succeed them : but how they are (in that Case) to be disposed of, it is not very easy to determine; but as his Excellency Governour Cornwallis has always his Capacity of turning every Occurrence to a good Account and will undoubtedly improve this for the publick Advantage of his prudent Administration.

May 17, 1750
The Boston Weekly News-Letter

Boston.

We also hear from Halifax, that his Excellency Governour Cornwallis had sent home the Sloop New-Casco, Master Taggart, with an Express relating to the French Neutrals destroying their Habitations, and entrenching themselves at Chignecto, as mention'd in our last; the Ship Beaufort was also to sail with an Express on Thursday last.

And from Annapolis-Royal we hear, that the French inhabiting those Parts, had received Orders from the Governor of Canada, to leave their Habitations, and come and settle there, which some of them had done, and others preparing to follow.

November 1, 1750
The Pennsylvania Gazette

BOSTON, October 22.

By a Letter from Halifax we have Advice, that about a Fortnight ago, Capt. Rous in his Majesty's Sloop Albany, met with a Brigt. and a Schooner in the Bay of Fundy, the first of which he hail'd, to know who she was, and whiter bound, but not having a satisfactory Answer, he fired a Gun, upon which Monsieur hoisted French Colours, but returned no Answer: Then Capt. Rous fired a Shot across her Fore foot, which the Brig return'd with a Broad side, by which a Midshipman of Capt. Rous's was kill'd, and another wounded. Upon this a smart Engagement ensued, which continued about 3 Hours, when the Frenchman surrendered. Capt. Rous had two Men kill'd, and the French six, and several were wounded on both Sides. During the Engagement the French Schooner stood out to Sea, and escaped. They both came from Canada, and were bound to St. John's with Provisions and warlike Stores for a new French Settlement there. The Brig was a vessel of War, and serv'd as a Convoy to the Schooner. 'Tis said the Brig had commonly on board for some of the French Neutrals, as they are commonly (tho' improperly) called. Capt. Rous arrived at Halifax, a few Hours before the Vessel sail'd, by which we have this Intelligence.

Extract of Letter from a Gentleman, dated at Chignecto, Oct. 4.

"We have the most treacherous Enemy in the World to deal with: Since our being here we have had a great many Conferences by Flaggs of Truce, with both the French and Indians: Captain How was the Person who always went, as he understood their Language best, and sometimes he convers'd with them above an Hour; and there generally went with him Ten or Twenty Officers near the Place where they held their Conferences: ---But this Day, even within his fatal Hour, he went to answer their Flagg with only the Drum who carries our Flagg, and had half an Hour's Conversation with a French Officer; during which time their Dykes were full of either French or Indians under Cover; and as soon as Capt. How had finished his Conversation with the rascally French Man, and turn'd his Back to go to the Fort, the Villians from behind the Dykes rose up and fired a Volley at him and the Drum; one Ball proved fatal to him, which I believe went thro' his Heart. -----As soon as we saw the Fire of the Enemy, we sent a Party down to the Marsh to bring him off; but tho' they effected that, 'twas too late to bring him alive: The Drum was not hurt.---The Villains as soon as they saw our Men approach, altho' they were on the other Side of the River, which we could not get over, and were entrench'd up to the Chin, yet they ran like so many Dogs, and now and then fir'd a Piece. ---What Behaviour is this? That even Flaggs of Truce (which have ever been sacred) should be cut off in the midst of a Parley, by the base Treachery of worse than savage Brutes! But poor Capt. How was a Person they have always been afraid of; and one whom they all knew very well, and that he was a most serviceable Man among us, and had almost the chief Management of Things in his own Hands; and his Death they have try'd to accomplish these several Days, which he had Information of; but was too too confident of the Honour of M. Le Corne, by which poor Man he lost his Life."

By a Letter from Portsmouth, in New Hampshire, we have the following Particulars by Capt. Foss, who was within 100 Yards of Capt. How during the whole Time of the Conference, viz. That Capt. How first receiv'd a Wound in the Thigh, upon which he fell, and by the Marks of his Body in the Mud, it appear'd he crawl'd 30 Yards, but they keeping a constant Fire, he was thereupon observ'd to stop, which when they perceiv'd they ceased firing. He was afterwards taken up, and it appear'd he had a Ball through his Heart. Thus fell that brave Officer. Two or three Days before, Capt. Robinson, who now commands the Fair Lady, sent his Mate with four Hands for Water, and as they were going ashore at Gallop's Creek, opposite the Dykes, was discover'd by the French, about 30 of whom came down to the Water side, and fired upon the Boat, kill'd one Man, wounded three, and the other seeing no Hopes of Mercy, row'd ashore to them; they carried him to the Dykes, and placed him that Night amongst a Number of Indians, who all falling asleep, he made his Escape, and swam over two narrow Creeks, and got to our Army; and he says that of the whole that took him, there appear'd to be but one Indian among them. Capt. Foss also informs, that our Army had almost compleated a fine Fort there: That the Beginning of the Month there were 200 of the French regular Troops come from Canada; that between 3 and 400 of the neutral Men had join'd them. That vast Quantities of Wheat, Potatoes, and Turnips are left behind by the Neutrals: That Capt. How offer'd L 300 Sterling to release the Captives among the French, among which is Mr. Winnier, but to no Purpose.

June 20, 1751
The Pennsylvania Gazette

BOSTON, June 10.

By a Vessel from Chignecto we have Advice, that Col.
Lawrence who commands our Troops posted there, having receiv
a Reinforcement of Men from Halifax, was preparing to attack
the French and Indians in their Camp at a small Distance from
him.

July 18, 1751
The Pennsylvania Gazette

BOSTON, July 8.

By a Vessel from Chignecto we have Advice, that the French are
busy at Work in building a large and strong Fort within a Mile
and a Half of ours, and that they had fired several Shot from
it at his Majesty’s Sloop Dove, as she lay at Anchor in a
Creek near our Fort: And, that the French Man of War seen some
Weeks ago standing up the Bay of Fundy, was arrived at St.
John River.

August 1, 1751
The Pennsylvania Gazette

BOSTON, July 22.

Last Saturday Night arrived here Capt. Sohier, late Master
of a Brigantine that sailfrom hence about four Weeks ago
for Chignecto, laden with Provision and stores for our Forces
there, and informs, that having got with a Mile or two of the
Fort, a most violent Gale of Wind came up, in which he parted
his Cables, and was drove ashore, where the Vessel was
immediately seized by the Indians, who took out the Cargo, and
then set the Vessel on Fire. They treated the People with more
Humanity than usual, and conducted them to the English Fort:
And while Capt. Sohier was there, an Indian came in with a
Flag of Truce, to propose Terms of Peace, and affirmed to the
Commander, that is was the sincere Desire of his Brethren to
live in Peace with the English. He was well treated, and new
cloathed, and dismissed with a suitable Present, and promised
to return at a certain Day, to treat further of Peace, when he
had consulted his Brethren. --- There are about 500 Indians,
who keep in a Body near the French Camp, from whence they send
out Parties of about 50 Men, to make Excursions, and it was
one of these Parties that lately fell upon Dartmouth, near
Halifax, in the Attack of which Place they had two of their
principal Leaders killed, as they themselves own.

By the latest intelligence we have from Louisbourg, we
learn, that there were but two French Ships of War in that
Harbour, and not five, as had been reported and published
here: One of the Ships, mounts 74 Guns, the other 36: The
latter is supposed to be the same that Capt. Snow met and
spoke with, as lately mention.

September 5, 1751
The Pennsylvania Gazette

BOSTON, August 26.

By a Vessel from Chignecto , we are informed, That the
Indians are all drawn off from the French Camp near that
Place, some of whom are gone to Canada, and the rest to Bay
Vert, to receive the French KingPresents, lately arrived
there, where they are making some Kind of Settlement. --- That
Major Luttrel, Commander of the British Troops, had lately
sent several Parties, and cut down all the Dykes on the French
Side, from whence the Indians used to annoy our Shipping; so
that there is not now the least Danger in going up the River;
--- That the French Troops desert daily to our Garrison,
thirteen of whom came over in two Days.

We likewise gear, that they daily expected a Number of
Families at Chignecto from Halifax, to settle there, and they
are constantly at work on the Fort, which in a short Time will
be so strong, as to defy all the Force that can come against
it. --- That the Place is very healthy, and the People in high
Spirits, and they hope soon to see a flourishing Settlement;
especially as they have the greatest Reason to believe the
Indians are desirous of a Peace.

December 20, 1753
The Pennsylvania Gazette

An Extract of a Letter from a Gentleman at Halifax, in Nova
Scotia, to his Friend in London, dated July 31, 1753.

"Agreeable to my Promise, by here send you a short Account
of the Transactions of our New World. I do suppose, that few
People in Old England know the Extent or Boundaries of this
Country. The Province of Nova Scotia, is as large as England,
Scotland, and Wales, put together. It reaches within seven
Leagues of Quebec; and the Kenebec River parts the New England
Government from us: So that the Extent of Land, agreeable to
CharlevoixHistory, and the ancient Boundaries, is very
large; but the French claim at least one Half of this Country
as their own, and have carried the Point so far as to erect
Forts and Garrisons at two several Places, which are very
important Places for them: The one is at Chignecto , at the
Head of Funday Bay; the other at the River of St. John, which
River runs up, by the best Accounts I can get, within a few
Leagues of Quebec; and will be of the utmost Consequence to
them, as they will be people to send up by it all their Goods,
and consequently secure all the valuable Branch of the Fur
Trade, and also bring all their valuable Goods down the said
River, avoiding the dangerous Navigation of the River of St.
Lawrence, by which they suffer much through the Loss of many
of their Ships, in going up, and coming down. If your
Government suffer this, it will be of fatal Consequence to the
Eastern Parts of New England, as well as the Province of Nova
Scotia. In short, if the French are allowed to keep this
Post, it will be more dangerous to these Parts, than a Dunkirk
would be to your Trade in Time of War. I know proper Accounts
have been sent of this to your leading Men, but how it happens
that nothing has been done, is to me very astonishing. How
absurd is it to make Representations to the Court of France,
and send Commissaries to treat for two or three Years, while
the French in the mean Time fortify themselves, and so laugh
at you? Poor England! How degenerate art thou grown? Why not
send your Wooden Castles, and beat their Works about their
Ears, and then let them complain? Donsuffer yourselves to
be disposed and made the laughing stock of all the Powers in
Europe: Where is old English Courage? Is nothing else to be
minded, but the securing a Majority at the next Election?
What shall we dwindle to at last? Sure there will be and End
to the Lethargy you have got into. In short, if you don
sell the Boundaries of this Country on your Side of the Water,
and put Things on a better Footing in this Province, I believe
there will be a little Occasion for us here, for when I tell
you there are 30000 French Inhabitants here, you will hardly
believe me; but you may depend on it for Truth; and not one
single one of them a Protestant. How the English Government
could suffer such a Number of People to live in one of their
Provinces without Government or Laws is amazing to me. The
French want to tire us out from settling in this Colony, as it
is so advantageously situated for us, and can so greatly annoy
them in Time of War.

"The Town of Halifax is greatly improved in its Buildings,
but by some Mismanagement the Trained People are very much
displeased. The regular Troops were sent here to protect
them, but I dare speak my Mind, they will drive away the other
Inhabitants, unless the latter be left to govern themselves,
as they must necessarily know their Business better than such
as have been brought up, in the Military Way. I am a Friend
to Trade, and love my Country, and hope I shall be able to
give you a more pleasing Account in high next."

October 24, 1754
The Pennsylvania Gazette

BOSTON, October 14.

Part of a Letter from Nova Scotia, to a Gentleman in New
England, September 29, 1754.

"I long ago acquainted you that this Province was in utmost
Danger upon the first Rupture between the Crowns of falling
into the Hands of the French, who had (according to their usual
Manner of gaining more upon their Neighbours in the Time of
Peace than War) contrary to the most solemn Treaties, seized
upon Bay Vert, and built a Fort there, to maintain a
Communication by Sea with Louisburg and Canada; That they had
built another Fort within Sight of ours, to command the Isthmus
of the Peninsula, and a Communication with the Bay of Fundy and
St. John River, and that they had Possession of St. John
River, and built a Fort near the Mouth of it, and another
higher up the River; and were Masters of all the Furr Trade of
that River, which before the late Peace was carried on wholly
by the English: From all which, together with the known
Disposition of the French Inhabitants, you will easily believe,
that upon the first Appearance of any considerable Force from
France, this Province must unavoidably fall into their Hands,
there being no Place that is capable of holding out, even for
one Day, but Annapolis Royal: And if this should be the Case,
which it probably will very soon, you know better than I can
tell you, the fatal Consequences to all the rest of the British
Colonies in North America, not to mention, to Great Britain
herself: Yet the French are still suffered to remain unmolested
in these unjustifiable Encroachments: Encouraged by that they
have lately (and no wonder at it) behaved in the following
insolent Manner: Capt. Rouse went with Capt. Kinsey to St.
JohnRiver; the Wind was contrary, and prevented their
entering it, but they sent their Boats near to the Fort, the
French fired upon them from the Fort and from the Vessels near
it, which they returned, and staytill they took a Sketch of
it. Capt. Rouse threatens that he will return in the Spring and
knock it down. I suppose he means, he hopes by that Time to
have sufficient Orders to justify him in such an Action, for I
believe, from his known Character, if he had had Orders that
would have bore him out in doing it now, he would hardly have
Patience to stay till the Spring: At the same Time the French
are behaving in this insolent perfidious Manner, the Battery at
Annapolis Royal, the only Place capable of making any Defence,
is Dismounted, and the Guns carried to Halifax, as if we were
determined to make the Whole an easier Prey to the French.
Tremble then not only for our Fate, but your own likewise in
its Turn."

1755

Extract of a Letter from Charles Town, in South Carolina,
dated March 20, 1755.

"Just now arrived a Vessel in a short Passage from Bristol;
all the Letters by her assure us, that a War with France is not
very distant, great military Preparations being made both in
England and France. Two Men of War, with Forces on board, will
sail early in the Spring, for Nova Scotia; and a great Number
of Ships of War are put into Commission, orderto be mann,
and fitted out for Sea, with the utmost Expedition."

April 3, 1755
The Pennsylvania Gazette

PHILADELPHIA, April 3.

Extracts from three different Letters from Lisbon, dated
February 12, 1755.

"A Packet which is just arrived, brings News, that in
England they are fitting out all the Men of War in great Haste;
that a French War is expected. It is said the French, in the
East Indies, have taken Fort St. George from us; and it is
certain the East India Company do not but Silver as usual,
which makes us think it true."

"By a Packet which arrived here from England, we have
Advice of a great many Men of War being put into Commission,
and of a violent Press for Seamen in all the Sea ports. It is
currently reported, that Madrass in the East Indies, is taken
by the French, and we are in daily Expectation of hearing of
War being declared against France."

"We have a strong Report here of a speedy War with France,
they having again attacked and taken Madrass, in the East
Indies, our Letters from England mention a very hot Press, in
order to man 20 Ships of the Line, that were getting ready with
all Expedition."

June 23, 1755
Boston Gazette

Extract of a Letter from Rhode-Island, dated June 15, 1755.

Last Thursday Morning arrived here in three days from Halifax, Captain Homer, who advises, that a French Flag of Truce was arrived there from Louisbourg, for the Men that were taken on board a French Schooner, bound up the Bay: That by said Flag of Truce, they learnt that a French Man of War of 64 guns, and a Frigate of 36, were arrived there from France; that it was given out at Louisbourg, they intended to erect a strong Fortificataion at Capperouge [Cap Rouge]: And that the Inhabitants were in a distress'd Condition for Want of Provisions.

We also learn, that a Party of Men went to Halifax to Pisguit [Pisiguit], and disarm'd the French Neutrals of about 300 Fire-Arms.

Rhode Island in 1755 - Boston Gazette Date: 1755-06-23 Iss: 12 page 3

June 30, 1755
The Boston Gazette

On Tuesday last arrived in Town Major Bourn who left the English Camp near Chegnecto the 18th Instant, charged with Dispatches from the Hon. Col. Monckton to His Excellency Governor Shirley, and brings us the agreeable News, that on the first Day of this Instant in the Evening, His Excellency Governour Shirley's two New-England Regiments of 2000 arrived at Chignecto, in the Bay of Funda, and on the 2d landed and join'd His Majesty's regular Forces there of 300, near Fort Lawrence; that the Troops march'd the 4th, and invested the French Fort of Beausejour (now called Fort Cumberland) in the Evening, and in their Way took Possession of Pont de Buott, where the French had a Battery of 4 small Pieces of Cannon and a Block House, and had posted 400 Men to oppose their Passage, who soon retired when closely attack'd, and left their Block House, and sundry adjacent Houses in Flames : Our Forces began to bombard the French Fort from Batteries advanced within 500 Yards of it, on the 13th, which by a constant Fire obliged the French to surrender before our Gun-Batteries were finished, on the 16th Instant. The Fort is a regular-built Pentagon, with 26 Pieces of Cannon, mounted chiefly with 9, 12, and 6 Pounders, and one 10 Inch Mortar, was garrison'd with 150 regular Troops and 400 Peasants, commanded by Monsieur Du Chambon, was plentifully furnished with Provisions, as well as all other Kind of Stores.

June 20, 1755
The Boston Evening Post

Extract of a Letter from an Officer in Our Army in Nova-Scotia. from the Camp before Beausejour, June 11. 1755

We had a very pleasant Passage of four days from Boston to Annapolis, where we all arrived safe on Monday the 26th of May; we remained there till Sunday the 1st of June, when we all sailed and got up here the same Night, but did not land 'till Monday. We were not a little pleased to learn on our arrival, that the French had received no Reinforcement from Louisbourg, as we heard at Boston, nor were they apprized of our Design, till we got here. The Troops were quartered the Night we arrived, upon the Settlers and Inhabitants, and Tuesday encamped near our Fort, which Day was employed in preparing to march to French Side on the next Day: Accordingly on the 4th of June, (being the Prince of Wales's Birth-Day) at break of Day, the Troops were under Arms, and joined by all the Regulars of our Garrison, both officers and Soldiers, except Capt. Hamilton, who was left to command Fort Lawrence, with whom we left Capt. Brintnal, and about 80 New-England Troops. At 7 o'Clock, the whole Army being about 2450 Men, marched with four Field-Pieces in the Front: As soon as they arrived at the Carrying-Place, where was a Log-House, with some Swivel Guns, and a Detachment of French Troops, they fired upon us, which was soon returned, and they'd drive from their Post, which they set Fire to, as they did in their Retreat to all the Houses between them and the French Fort; and before Night, almost every House at Beausejour, together with their large new Mass-House, the Priest's House, Hospital, Barns, &c. to the Number of about 60, were burnt down to the Ground. This Step, they took that we might not be sheltered by them in our Approach, or benefited thereby, in Case they were obliged to surrender, as they undoubtedly expected they must. We had only one Man killed, (a serjeant of our Garrison) and eleven wounded, one of which is since dead; the French had five or six killed, and we suppose more, how many wounded, we can't tell. Our Troops traversed the Ground on their Side, and reconnoitred, the Fort pretty near, without being fired at; their People were employed in strengthening their Fort, by a Glacis and Covered Way, as if they did not intend to surrender with a Dispute, but turned their Defence chiefly against an Assault, Sword in Hand, expecting we should Storm the Garrison, as they did not apprehend we had any Artillery, except our Field Pieces, and some Cohorns. They have since taken off the Roofs from their Houses, and pulled down the Chimnies, to prevent the ill Consequences of our Cannonading, as they are now satisfied we have Battering Cannon, and 13 Inch Shells.

We have landed our Cannon and Mortars, and the Troops have been employed in clearing a Road for transporting them to the Place where we design to open our Battery, (which we hope will be effected this Night) within 300 Yards of their Ramparts. We had reconnoitering Parties frequently out within half Musket Shot of the Fort, which they sometimes Fire at, but have not as yet, hurt us a Man. They have in the Fort about 150 Regulars, and as many of the Inhabitants, the Remainder, with the Women and Children are gone off to the Bay Verte, and other distant Places. We have not lost one of the Men we brought from New-England, either by the Enemy or Sickness; and have only three slightly wounded. An Officer of our Garrison was surprized by a Party of Indians, who were lurking in a Cops of Wood on our Side, and taken Prisoner, as he was returning (alone) from our Garrison to the Camp, early in the Morning a few Days ago. A Flag of Truce was sent to Col. Monckton from the French Commandant, the same Day, with Letters from the Officer to acquaint the Colonel of his Misfortune, and that he was well dealt by. The same Day we took one of their Garrison Prisoner, by whom we learnt, that they expect a Reinforcement from St. John's, and Louisbourg; but I am in Hopes, they will arrive too late.

Headline: Extract of a Letter from an Officer in Our Army in Nova-Scotia. from the Camp before Beausejour, June 11. 1755;
Paper: Boston Evening Post.; Date: 1755-06-30; Iss: 1035; Page: [2];

June 30, 1755
Boston Evening Post

Fort Cumberland, June 18, 1755.

I have now the Pleasure to congratulate you upon the Surrender of the French Fort, which we have named as above. - I have not Time to write you the Particulars. - The Forts at Bay Verte and Gaspereau have surrendered upon Terms, and Co. Winslow is gone there this Morning to take Possession; we have lost but one of our New-England Troops, killed in opening the Trenches, and about a Dozen wounded, who are like to do well : We began to Fire some small shells the 13th, some larger ones the 14th, the 15th with a few of 13 Inch, and the 16th they desired to capitulate; the Terms being agreed upon, Col. Scot, who commanded in the Trenches, marched in the same Evening, took Possession and struck the Colours Yesterday, the memorable 17th of June, the same Day that Louisbourg surrendered to us. The English Flag was hoisted, and saluted by all the Guns in the Fort. We found 24 Cannon, the largest 12 Pounders, one 10 Inch Mortar, plenty of Ammunition and Provisions enough to have held out a long Siege. - I heartily wish our Army at the Southward, may meet with the same Success as we have. I doubt not but our Acquisition will give them great Spirits, as well as give you all in Boston a sensible Pleasure. I believe there never was so considerable a Conquest with so little Loss. We had not a Man hurt by all their Cannon and Shells, and I suppose at a moderate Computation they fired 500 Shot, and 60 or 80 Shells.

Extract from another Letter.

We did not expect, by their Preparations, they would have surrendered so soon, and it was chiefly occasion'd by a Shell, which broke thro' one of their Casemates, where by four Officers were kill'd and several wounded: Among those kill'd was Mr. Hay, an Ensign in ours in Warburton's Regiment, who had been taken a Week before by some skulking Indians, as he was passing from our Fort to the Camp. -

And we learn by other Letters, that the New-England Troops behav'd to the Satisfaction of every Body. - That the only New-England Man kill'd, was Joseph Pike, whose Friends belong to Newbury. - That Col. Prebble received a slight Wound in the Thigh. - That the French have left in all 8 Officers and 51 private Men. - As also, That 3 Indians were kill'd, one of which was a Sachem of the Mickmac's, a stout Fellow six Feet and half high, about 40 years old.

July 7, 1755
Boston Evening Post

Thursday last a Sloop arrived here in 4 Days from Annapolis Royal and by her we have Advice, that on the 26th of June past, 3 of her Majesty's Ships of War, viz. the Success, Mermaid, and Syrene, with some of the Transports with Soldiers, came down the Bay, and sail'd for St. John's River; and that the Vulture Sloop of War, with some other Vessels, having on board the French Garrison of Fort Beausejour, had sailed for Louisbourg, to deliver them there, according to Capitulation.

July 14, 1755
Boston Evening Post

From the Halifax Gazette, June 28.

We hear, that a Letter from a Jesuit, directed to the French Inhabitants of Nova-Scotia, has been intercepted, and in it he conjures them to not to come to any Agreement with the English, but to continue faithful Subjects to their lawful Prince; assuring them, that the Men of War and Troops (then expected) from France, were designed for their Protection, and would soon recover the whole Province out of the Hands of the English. -

'Tis said the Flag of Truce lately sent to Louisbourg with the Garrison of the Forts at Chegnecto, &c. was returned, and reported, that the People at Louisbourg were in great want of Provisions; and that the St. John's Indians had given the same Account of their Wants at Quebeck.

By Letters from Halifax we are told, that Governor Lawrence had caused a great Number of Cattle to be taken from the French Inhabitants, an hundred Head of which were arrived at Halifax, and more expected: These were all fatted and designed for the French Fleet on its Arrival. - And that Fifty Thousand Louis de Ors, (about the Value of our Guineas) had been found on board the Lys Prize.

A few Days ago Capt. Cargill, Commander of a Company of Volunteers against the Indian Enemy, brought to Town 12 Scalps, viz. 4 Men's 6 Women's and 2 Children's, and expected the Bounty; but on Examination before his Majesty's Council, and View of his Journal, it was found that of the Indians killed were of the Penobscot Tribe, who were exempted by Law, and his Excellency's Proclamation, and who were then actually in Treaty with this Government, and 2 of the Tribe then in Boston for that Purpose: And after mature Consideration his Offence, he was committed to Goal.

Boston, July 14, 1755.

To the Publishers of the Boston Gazette, &c.

Please to insert the following in your next, whereby you
will oblige Your humble Servant, &c.

WHILST we are rejoicing in the Success of his
MajestyArms in the Reduction Of the French Forts at
Chiegnecto,"it is a Pity any Occasion should be given for
contesting, to whom the Credit of this Success, under
Providence, chiefly belongs. But there seems to be just
Occasion given for this, if the Point will bear contesting, by
the extraordinary Address of the Merchants, Traders, &c. of
Halifax, to Lieutenant Governor Lawrence, published their into
in the Gazette of June 28th. A Person, not sufficiently
acquainted with this Affair, would naturally conclude from
that Address, that these Forts were not reduced by Troops
raised in New England, under New England Officers, but by his
Majestyregular Troops in Nova Scotia; though not wholly
without the "Countenance and Assistance of his Excellency
Governor Shirley."This is the Idea which the Language of the
Address naturally conveys; in which Respect, it must the
confess, the Substance of it corresponds very well to the
introductory Part, wherein they beg Leave to offer
their Compliments, "&c. For there is really so little of
Truth or Justice in this Representation, that the Address can
hardly be looked upon as any Thing more, or better, than a
Compliment. The Answer of both our Houses of Assembly to
Governor ShirleySpeeches of the 28th of March, and the 2d
of April, 1754, is alone sufficient to show how much the
Province of the Massachusetts Bay has interested itself in the
Welfare of Nova Scotia. An Extract of that Answer is as
follows, "We therefore desire your Excellency to represent to
his Majesty the esposed hazardous State of these his
Governments; and humbly to pray, that he would be pleased to
cause the most effectual Measures to be taken for the Removal
of any French Forts or Settlements that are or may be made in
any Part of his Territories on this Continent; and in
PARTICULAR, that the Subjects of the French King may be
compelled to quit the Province of NOVA SCOTIA, where, in
direct Violation of the most express Agreement to the
contrary, they are daily increasing and fortifying
themselves,"&c. It was, I humbly conceive, chiefly owing to
Governor Shirleyrepresenting and pressing this Matter at
Home, agreeable to the Request of our General Assembly, that
those vigorous Measures were entered upon for the Security of
Nova Scotia, which have already happily succeeded in Part; and
which are still in Prosecution by his MajestyNew England
irregular Troopes, in Conjunction with a few of the Regulars
of that Province. I have no Inclination to detract from the
acknowledged Merit of Governor Lawrence; nor do I now dispute
the "Vigilance, Activity and military Accomplishments of the
Hon. Col. Monckton,"he gave one Proof of his Activity and
military Accomplishments, while he was here at Boston. But the
Part which Governor Shirley, Col. Winslow, and the Province of
the Massachusetts, had in this Affair, could not, I think,
with any Propriety or Decency, be passed over with the slight
general Acknowledgment of some "Countenance and Assistance."
The Troopes employed in this Expedition, irregular as well as
regular, are, we know, in his MajestyPay: But the
Expedition was, at least, as much Governor Shirley, as
Governor Lawrence. Nay, it might, with much more Propriety
be said, That Governor Shirley had Assistance"of
Governor Lawrence herein, than that the latter had
Assistance"of the former; Governor Shirley being plainly the
Principal in it, and almost all the Troops employed, being
raised in this Province, under his Direction. It is well known
that above 2000 of the Troops went from hence; who enlisted to
go upon this Enterprize, under the immediate Command of Lieut.
Colonel Winslow, a New England Man; whose Reputation as a
Soldier, and a good Officer, was established amongst us. These
Troops, when they came to Nova Scotia, were joined and
assisted only by about 250, or 280 Regulars, under Lieut.
Colonel Monckton: Tho'when they came to act in Conjunction
with the Regulars, the chief Command of the Whole devolved (I
suppose of Course) upon Col. Monckton, as being the superior
Officer upon the Royal Establishment. This being a true, tho'
brief Representation of the Case, I appeal to the World,
Whether it is just that the chief Honour of this Prosperous
Expedition should be snatched from Governor Shirley, Col.
Winslow, and our New England Troops, and bestowed, by Way of
Compliment, upon those who had, comparatively speaking, so
slender a Claim to it. This Address is a Specimen of the
Returns made by those whom we have so often succoured and
defended. Nova Scotia must have long since fallen intirely
into the Hands of the French, had i not been one and again
befriended and supported by the Province of the Massachusetts
Bay. But it seems that they, who have been from Time to Time,
both imploring, and receiving Protection from us, now envy us
the Honour of affording it to them; and strangely arrogate to
themselves the Credit of whatever is generously done by others
for their Defence and Security, as if it were both more
blessed and more reputable to receive than to give. I am the
more surprised at this Address, as i comes from the Merchants
and Traders at Halifax, who, said, are chiefly New
England Men; and who, as such, ought certainly to have had a
greater Regard to the Credit of their native Country, how
little soever many of them had in it, when they made Halifax
their Asylum.

July 21, 1755
The Boston Gazette or Weekly Journal

Boston July 21. 1755
Extract of a Letter from Fort Lawrence, July 3.1755.

-You will be glad to hear, That the French have burnt their Fort at St. John's which has sav'd us the Trouble of a Voyage there. - Upon the appearance of Capt. Rous, with the Four Men of War they set Fire to the Fort, burst their Cannon, broke their small Arms, and march'd off to Canada, leaving the Indians behind them. - Capt. Rous landed, and was saluted by the black Gentry, who desired to come to amicable Terms with the English, and accordingly four of their Chiefs went on Board: - whether he has sent them to Halifax is not certainly known. -

We have two Chiefs now at Fort Cumberland, who came up frm St. John's to pilot us down; and we were just going to embark 1500 Men to reduce that Place (the Stores and Provisions being on board the Transports,) when the above Accounts arriv'd, which was Yesterday. - I think Providence has been remarkably favourable to us; the French being now entirely disposses'd of Nova-Scotia, with the Loss of only four Men, (and three of them belong'd to this Fort.) - We have a Prospect of bringing the St. John's Indians, entirely over to our Interest. - All the Inhabitants in this River, are disarmed and kept tightly to Work. - I wish they were exchang'd for as many good New-England Husbandmen, who would improve the Lands hereabouts, for they are well worth it. -

Our Success in these Parts, as they must give you great Satisfaction in New-England; so I doubt not they will spirit up the Troops at the Southward; and I hope, are happy Omens of the Downfall of the Interest of the French in North-America. - You see there is nothing like cutting off the Head; how soon, in such a Case the Limbs wither: Upon the Surrender of Beausejour; all their mighty Forts, and Possessions came to nothing: However, we must not boast too much; we have, 'tis true, made a good Beginning, and I hope the End will correspond therewith.-

We have Advice from Nova-Scotia, That on the 17th of last Month, Col. Winslow with 500 Men took Possession of Fort Gaspereau, scituate on the Bay of Vert, about 15 Miles distance from the English Camp, and the French march'd out. That on the 19th he examin'd the Fort, and foud it 180 Feet square, with four Block Houses, one on each Angle, and in miserable Order, 8 Cannon and 2 Swivels, the Building very bad within, as well as the Water without: The Store consists of 700lb. Of Powder, a large Quantity of Cannon shot, some Claret, 280 Barrels of Pork, and 8 Hogheads of Molasses, but no Bread nor Butters. In reconnoitring the Country thereabouts three Days, they found the Soil barren, and but little fish in the Bay: at Bay of Vert is a Village of about 25 Houses, a Chapel, and a Priest's House well finished; and that the Inhabitants of the Village seemed to live in a better Form, and more after the English Manner than any in that Province, and have an open Communication with the Isle of St. John's and the Inhabitants of Cape-Breton, whom they furnish with Lumber, Indian-Goods, &c. from whom they receive all the Conveniences of Life in Return. That they were cleaning the Fort, by the French People, and were about to repair it.

We hear that Gov. Lawrence having sent for a Number of the principal French Neutrals, he inform'd them, that they must all either take an Oath of Allegiance to his Britannick Majesty, or be transported to France; and they having desired Leave to return and consult their Friends and Neighbours on this important Affair, their Request was granted, and on their Return, they informed the Governor, that they could not consent to that the Oath required of them.

July 31, 1755
The Pennsylvania Gazette

Tho' we gave, in a former Gazette, an Account of the Success
of the Expedition to the Eastward; we believe the following
Extract of a Letter from an Officer in the Army at Nova
Scotia, will not be disagreeable, as it contains a more
peculiar Description of the whole Affair.

The Camp at Chignecto, June 17, 1755.
We arrived at Chignecto the second Instant, and on the
Thursday following, at Four a Clock in the Morning, the whole
Army, joined by 300 Regulars, and the Royal Train of
Artillery, with four Brass Cannon, began their March; and,
about Half way to the Grand Fort, is a strong Block house, to
which we marched in regular Order, the Cannon going first, the
Regulars next, then followed Colonel ScottBattalion, and
General Winslow brought up the Rear: The French having cut
away there Bridge, obliged us to carry Timber to erect a new
One, and when we came to the Place where we intended to build,
and intended to send in a Flag of Truce, and demand a
Surrender of the Fort, the Enemy prevented us the Trouble, by
giving us their whole Shot of Cannon and small Arms from the
Woods, the Indians the whole Time keeping a most terrible
howling and yelling, but it did not in the least dispirit the
Men; on the contrary put fresh Courage in them, our six
Pounders playing continually on their Fort, and our small Arms
on the Woods, still gaining Ground, as they lost it: We had
almost an incessant Firing for near three Quarters of an Hour;
they at last gave Way, first setting their Block house on
Fire, and ran away by the Light of it: We then marched up in
regular Order, the Indians firing all the Time, but we soon
beat them off; they killed one of the Regulars, and wounded
eight of our Men by Musket Balls, with which their Cannon was
loaded, our Men, during the whole Time, keeping a constant
Shouting: The whole, I believe, lasted near an Hour and an
Half, when we took Possession of the Ground: They lost
fourteen Men, one of whom is a Gunner of the Fort, who was
killed by a Cannon Shot, having all the back Part of his Head
shot away, and only his Face left: Here we rested our Men
about two Hours, and then marched forward, after dressing our
wounded Men; we encamped that Night in the Woods, without
Fire, tho'very cold, for Fear of an Attack in the Night: Next
Morning early we began our March, and about Nine a Clock came
in Sight of the Fort, and within a Mile and an Half of it, we
got up our Cannon, Bombs, &c. to invest the Grand Fort. Mons.
Bourlong, the Gentleman who commanded the Block house, came
here with a Flag of Truce, to let us know they had taken Mr.
Hays, an Ensign of the Regulars, Prisoner; but their real
Design was to get what Intelligence they could of the State of
our Army, but he lost his Aim, for the Guard brought him in
blinded, and we took Care he should not be able to give an
Account; we took one Prisoner, but there is no believing any
Thing he says: We met in our March from the Block house with
many Clothes and other Things, which the Enemy dropt in their
Hurry and Flight, which makes me think their Loss most be
considerable: They burnt every House round the Fort, not
sparing their Mass house.

"The 11th and 12th, we were employed in getting up our
Cannon, Bombs and Shells, and on the 12th, in the Afternoon,
Col. Scott, and Major Prebble, with a party of 300 men,
marchtowards the Fort to take Possession of the Ground, in
order to intrench; but the French and Indians knowing the
Advantages of the Post to us, sallyfrom the Fort the Number
of 300 men, and opposed us, upon which a hot Engagement
ensued, which lasted for an Hour and an half; the People in
the Camp reinforced us with 200 men, and the French being
between the Fort and us, the Cannon could not play on us, for
fear of killing their own Men; our Men fought like Heroes, and
at last beat them back to the Fort, we began to intrench,
within 500 Yards of the Fort, which kept constantly firing on
us from 12 to 18 Pounders, but without any Execution. We lost
one Man in the Engagement, before we got the Ground, and four
wounded, who are all like to do well; we killfour of the
Enemy and wounded nine, dome of which are since dead. On the
12th we having opened about 200 Yards of Trench, we began to
play on them with our small Mortars, their Cannon all the
While firing on us briskly; but we still kept on digging, and
the next Day they fired 180 Cannon Shot, and never hurt a Man
of us, except throwing the Dirt on us very briskly; and the
nearer we approached them, the more they fir, throwing
several ten Inch Shells, one of which fell and broke in the
Trench, covering near 40 of our People in Dirt; but through
Providence not a Man was hurt. We at last got our 13 Inch
Mortar to work, and now nothing was to be heard but the
Roaring of Cannon and the Noise of Men, a Scene entirely new
to me; but thank God, I had as composed a Temper as ever I had
in my Life: The continued firing all Sabbath Day without
Cessation, but it did not prevent our getting within 200 Yards
of their Fort; one of their Shot broke our eight Inch Brass
Mortar, and spoiled it. On Monday, we sent in 6 Bombs of 13
Inches, one of which killed them 3 Officers and several men,
and among the rest, the Ensign of ours who was taken some Days
ago, upon which they sent is out a Flag of Truce, and while we
were treating, we heard a great Noise of Small Arms, the
Indians having attacked our Camp to the Number of 40 or 50,
and fired two Vollies on it before we could return one, but we
soon beat them back without the Loss of one Man, or even hurt;
we kill3 Indians, one of whom we got before he was quite
dead, who gave is this Account, that he was a Sachem of the
Mickmacks, and finely dress, a stout Fellow 6 Feet and an
Half high, about 4o years old: I send you some Hair with Part
of his Scalp. This Morning (being the same Day Ten Years that
Cape Breton was taken) our Troops marchin and hoisted the
English Flag. The French Regulars, to the Number of 150, and
350 others, marchout of the Fort, and we are now in
Possession of one of the finest Forts in Nova Scotia. The
French have lost in all 8 Officers and 51 Private Men.

July 31, 1755
The Pennsylvania Gazette

HALIFAX, June 28.

To his Excellency CHARLES LAWRENCE, Esquire, Lieutenant
Governor and Commandeer in Chief in and over the Province of
Nova Scotia, &c. &c.

The ADDRESS of the Merchants, Traders and other Inhabitants of
the Town of Halifax in Nova Scotia.
May it please your Excellency,
WE the Merchants, Traders, and other Inhabitants of the Town
of Halifax, humbly beg Leave to offer our Compliments of
Congratulations on the late happy Success of his Majesty
Arms in the Reduction of the French Forts at Chignecto>, which
(under GOD) is intirely owing to the wise and prudent Measures
taken by your Excellency in the original planning of this
Expedition; the Countenance and Assistance of his Excellency
Governor Shirley; the Vigilance, Activity, and Military
Accomplishments of the Hon. Col. Monckton, Commander in Chief;
and the Bravery and Spirit of the Troops, who generously
engaged themselves in that Affair, from a just resentment of
the Encroachments made by the French on his Majesty
Territories in these Parts.

From this happy Beginning, we have the greatest Hopes of
the Success of any other Enterprize you may have concerted for
obtained that Peace and Tranquility to us and the rest of his
Majestyloyal Subjects in this Province, which we have been
long deprived of by the Machinations of our envious
Neighbours, and their barbarous and blood thirsty Emissaries,
who by their cruel and unnatural Proceedings since the
Commencement of this Settlement after the late general Peace,
seem to have shaken off and trampled under Foot all Regard to
Laws human and divine.

That all the wicked and pernicious Designs plotted for
depriving his Majesty of his just Rights, and his good
Subjects of their Lives and Properties, may meet with
Disappointment; and that your Excellency (whose indefatigable
Vigilance and Zeal for his MajestyService, and the Good of
the Publick, has so greatly manifested itself upon all
Occasions) may long remain at the Helm of this Government, to
over awe our open as well as concealEnemies, and to rather
this a happy and flourishing Province, will, we doubt not, be
the sincere Wishes of all who have the British Interest really
at Heart, and who have the Honour to know your Excellency
Merit; as they most unfeignedly are those of, Your
Excellencymost obedient, and most obliged humble Servants, &c. &c. &c.

August 7, 1755
The Pennsylvania Gazette

BOSTON, July 28.

By Letters from Halifax, dated the 14th Instant, we are
informed, that they had certain Advice there, that about 1300
of the French Troops, and four of their Ships, are got into
Louisburg Harbour, where they are blocked up by our Fleet: The
Remainder are either got into St. Lawrence River, or
returned to France. That every Thing goes well at Chignecto:
Col. Monckton is repairing and strengthening the two Forts at
Beausejour and the River Gaspereau, both of which may be
easily made very strong. He has ordered an exact Survey of the
lands that have been cultivated both on the Isthmus and
without it, which are said to be very rich and fertile. That
it is the Governor’s fixed Resolution not to suffer the French
Inhabitants to remain there longer than till the Forts are put
into a proper State of Defence. That Vice Admiral Boscawen and
Rear Admiral Moyston were come into Halifax to refit, that
Admiral Holbourn was cruizing off Louisbourg. That every Body
at Halifax, but especially the Governor, are full of the
highest Encomiums on the Behaviour of the New England Troops
under Col Monckton’s Command. He has represented their good
Conduct in such a favourable and striking Light, as must
certainly give the highest satisfaction to the Publick, but
more especially to those who are more nearly connected with
them. And, that live Stock is very much wanted at Halifax.

August 18, 1755
The Boston Gazette

By a Vessel from Halifax, arriv'd here last Saturday Morning, we have Advice, That the French Neutrals at Chenectady [Chignecto] had refus'd to take the Oath of Allegiance to his Britannic Majesty; and that upon their Refusal the Hon. Col. Lawrence, Commander in Chief of Halifax, had determined to compel them to quite their present Possession; for which Purpose, Transports were accordingly taken up, - That the Admiral cruising off Louisbourg, had taken a large Ship from France bound to Louisbourg, laden with Provisions. - that he had also taken another Ship [a Packet] bound with Dispatches from Canada to France; both of which were safe arriv'd at Halifax, before the above Vessel sail'd from thence.

August 25, 1755
The Boston Gazette-Weekly Journal

Boston - August 25, 1755

By a vessel arrived here last Wednesday, and another the Day following, both in 4 days from Halifax, we are informed, that a 50 and 20 gunShip were arrived there from Virginia; and that 19 + Men of War were in that Harbour when they came away. That a number of Transports were preparing to sail for the Bay of Fundy, which were to be convoyed by Capt. Rous, in order to carry off the French Inhabitants from Nova Scotia.

That a School was arrived there in 6 weeks from England ; but bro't nothing material. War was not declar'd when she sail'd.

By Capt. Bacon, who arrived here last Evening in 8 Days from Chignecto, we are informed, That the French Neutrals were lading a schooner and a Sloop up the Bay Vert, with Provisions, in order to send to Louisbourg: That upon Intelligence thereof to Col. Monckton he immediately dispatched away 250 Troops to said Bay by Land, but when got there could not find any Boats or Canoes; and upon asking the Neutrals whether they knew of any, they said they did (or would) not know; but the English threatening to hang two or three of them if they did not tell, thy soon procur'd them two, which 13 o four men took and went off to the above Vessels, but while they were going, they were constantly fir'd upon from the Vesssels with Swivels and Small-Arms, but those brave Fellows not minding their firing boarded and took them, with 13 Head of Cattle on board, and bro't them safe to Chignecto, without receiving any Damage.

That Col. Winslow had march'd with 400 Men to Pisguit [Pisiguit] in order to take off the Neutrals there; and from thence he was to proceed with them to Halifax.

August 25, 1755
Boston Evening Post

By a Vessel arrived here Yesteray from Chignecto, we are informed, that some of our People posted near Bay Vert, observing a French Sloop and Schooner taking in Cattle, got Boats or Canoes and took Possession of them, tho' the Frenchmen fired upon them with Swivel guns, &c.

The two Vessels had 29 Cattle on board, design'd for Louisbourg, but our People saved them that Trouble, by carrying them to Chignecto.

And further, that Col. Winslow with 500 Men, was picking up the French Inhabitants in order for Transportation.

August 28, 1755
The Pennsylvania Gazette

Boston, August 18.

From the London Magazine for May, 1755.
By a Vessel from Chignecto in Nova-Scotia, we have Advice, that most of the Transport Vessels that carried our Troops down to that Province, are discharged.

And by an Express Boat from Halifax, we have Advice, that our Men of War have taken a Snow from France, laden with Provisions for Louisburg, also a Ship from Canada (Quebec), bound to France, with Dispatches for the Government, and sent them both into Halifax. That it being determined to remove the French Inhabitants, Seven Thousand of them are to be disposed of among the British Government between Nova-Scotia and Georgia ; for which Purpose all the Vessels at Halifax fit for that Service, were taken up, and Orders are come to this town to engage as many Vessels as will carry off Two Thousand Persons.

Capt. Pote who arrived here Yesterday in 13 Days from Chiegnecto, advises, That as he came out he saw the Transports from Halifax bound in, who were going to take off the French Neutrals there; a Number of which were already taken, and twas tho't the Remainder would soon be.

September 8, 1755
The Boston Gazette or Country Journal

Boston September 8.

Our advices from Halifax by several Vessels which arrives here since our last, are, That the Squadron cruising off Louisbourg have taken 4 French Ships and three Snows, laden with Provisions, &c. three of which were save arrived there, and the others, were daily expected: that the Admiral had given Orders for the Fleet to take since or destroy all the French Vessels they should meet:

That it was tho't in three Weeks there would not be a French Neutral at Chiegnecto: And that a Party of Troops had escorted three French Priests from Pisiguit to Halifax, where they were under Confinement.

September 18, 1755
The Pennsylvania Gazette

Boston, September 8.

Last Week several Vessels arrived here from Halifax, and by Letters from Gentlemen of the best Intelligence there, we are told, that in three Weeks Time all the French in Nova-Scotia would be removed out of the Province, but to what Place not known. - That Col. Monckton had Orders to destroy every French Vessel, Boat or Canoe he could find in any Harbour, Bay, Creek or River in the Province, to prevent the Inhabitants from making their Escape. - That our Fleet had taken 7 or 8 French Ships and Snows, two of which from Martinico the rest from France, laden with Wine, Brandy, Bale Goods, Provisions, &c. most of them of great Value. - That Admiral Boscawen had given Orders to all his Captains to take or destroy every French Vessel that come in their Way, and bring those taken into the Harbour of Halifax. -
That nine Transports were gone to Minas, to take as many of the Neutrals as they could carry, and that three Priests or Jesuits had been taken and sent to Halifax, and were put on board the Admiral's Ship for Security, in order to be sent to England.

September 29, 1755
Boston Gazette

Boston, Sept. 14, 1755.

By Captain Gay who arrived here on Saturday last, in 7 Days from Chiegnecto, we are informed that Col. Prebble with 400 Forces had been at a Village called La Jour, and burned 170 odd Houses that a Party under Major Fry had been at a Place called Perego de Jack, and burnt several Houses there, but when they come to set Fire to the Frame of the Mass House, they were sallied upon by a Number of French and Indians suppos'd to be between 4 or 500, who killed and took 24 of our Men Prisoners, among whom is Doctor March; after which the enemy Rendez-vouz'd at the Spot where the old Fort at St. John's flood - that 500 Heads of Families of the Neutrals were taken, together with their Families, amounting to about 2500 - And that in two Days after he sail'd, the Forces were going further down the Bay in order to demand the Rest of the Neutrals.

Boston Gazette - 1755-09-29 Iss. 26 page 2

October 9, 1755
Halifax, in Nova-Scotia, August 30.

Last Saturday Capt. Broom, of the Royal Train of Artillery, with a Detachment from the Troops under the Command of the Hon. Col. Monkton, arrived here from Pisguit, and has brought with him three French Priests, and eight other Frenchmen, Prisoners, who had been taken by our Troops since the Surrender of the French Forts at Beausejour, &c. and we hear they are now confined on board one of his Majesty’s Ships in this Harbour.

October 9, 1755
The Pennsylvania Gazette

NEW YORK, Sept. 29.

The same Evening Capt. Concklin arrived here in 14 Days
from Halifax, by whom we are informed, that the DAy he sailed
from thence, ADvice was received there over Land from
Chignecto, that Major Fry being ordered with a Party of 50 New
England Men, to destroy a Mass House, and some other Houses,
at a Place called Shepperdy, they were attacked by a large
Body of Indians, who killed 22 of our People on the Spot, and
wounded seven more.

October 16, 1755
The Pennsylvania Gazette

BOSTON, October 6.

By letters from the Camp before Fort Cumberland, in Nova
Scotia, of the 8th ult. we have Advice, That on the 27th of
August, Major Fry, with several Officers and 200 Men, embark
on board the Sloop York, Capt. Cobb, and the Schooner Warren,
Captain Adams; and the same Evening, landed at Chipoudie, a
Village about 8 Leagues up the River, having Instructions to
bring off all the Inhabitants and set Fire to the Houses.---
That upon their first landing they marched with an advance and
two flank Guards to the Village, but found all the Inhabitants
were fled except 25 Women and Children, who were taken
Prisoners. The next Morning they set Fire to the Buildings and
burnt down 18 Houses and Barns, with all the Hay, Grain, &c.
therein.--- After this they proceeded to the Mass house,
which, with what was therein, was burnt to Ashes; --- then
putting the Prisoners on board one of the Transports which lay
ready for that Purpose, they embarkagain, and the next
Morning two of the Officers with 62 Men, were ordered to
proceed to Pitcoudiack; and having landed within Sight of the
ArmVessels, they found the Houses entirely evacuated; and
by the first of September, they laid the Buildings in Ashes,
for fifteen Miles in Length on the northerly Side of the
River; and about 6 on the other Side; and when they came in
Sight of a Mass House, they discoverFoot Tracks lately
made, and soon after perceived a Smoak; the Mass House being
cloase to a thick Wood, they posted proper Guards, and as they
were preparing to fire the House, a Signal Gun was fired by
the Enemy;and before the Guards, and the few Men with them,
could repair to the main Body, they found themselves almost
surrounded by them; upon which they were obliged to rush thro'
them as well as they could, firing their pieces, and receiving
their Fire; and while thus retreating, the Indians gained
Ground, shot lieut. March, and took and wounded some others.
But a Serjeant with 6 Men coming from a Cops of Wood, stop
their Pursuit, so that the rest of our Men gainthe Dyke and
secured their Retreat. --- At this Time it was impossible for
Major Fry to come to their Assistance, on Account of the
Rapidity of the River, being driven by the Current 3 Quarters
of a Mile below the intended Landing Place; but landing thee
rest of his Men as soon as he possibly could, drew up the
whole Body, and made a Stand; upon which the Enemy likewise
drew up in a Body, besides the Dykes lined with Indians, and
parties scouting in the Woods, supposed to be upwards of 300,
but they were not inclined to engage our Forces in an open
Manner, th'with such a Number they might have done almost as
they pleased. --- At high Water the two armVessels got in
as near the Shore as they safely could, and covering each of
the Flanks, sent their Boats ashore, and took or Men and
carried them on board; the Vessels during the Embarkation,
fired their Cannon and kept the Rebels off.--- Several of the
Enemy were killed, but how many is uncertain. --- 253 Houses
and Barns, besides the Mass House have been burnt.

October 13, 1755
The Boston Gazette, or Weekly Journal

Boston, October 13.

By a Vessel from Halifax, we hear, that the Capts. Rous, and Shirley, had sailed from thence as was supposed, for St. Johns in the Bay of Fundy, that the French were repairing the Fort on that River, which they deserted in the Summer upon the Approach of Capt. Roux, the English having neglected to secure it. That a considerable Body of French Regulars were carried there, and great Numbers of the Neutrals and Indians had joined them, encouraged no doubt from the Advice they had received of General Braddock’s Defeat; so that our Troops in Nova Scotia, may have still more Business on their Hands, than was expected; but as New-England Men inlist for Service, they are not commonly pleased with a State of Inaction.

November 3, 1755
The Boston Gazette, or Weekly Journal

Boston, November 27.

We learn by Captain McKey who arriv'd here on Wednesday Evening last, in 4 Days from Chegnecto, that this Day Fortnight, 12 Transports, with about 1500 French Neutrals on board, sail'd from thence (suppos'd for South-Carolina) under the Convoy of 3 20 Gun Ship.

Last Night arrived here three Sloops from Pisguit with a Number of French Neutrals on board.

November 6, 1755
The Pennsylvania Gazette

BOSTON, October 27.

BY Capt. Dogget who arrived here last Saturday, in 15 Days
from Chignecto, we are informed, that the Captains Rous and
Shirley were arrived here. That Colonel Winslow had taken and
shipped 1500 Neutrals on board the Transports prepared for
that Purpose. And that 26 Neutrals had dug out of Fort
Lawrence in the Night, made their Escape, and gone over to the
Enemy, who, it is reckoned, are 5 or 600 strong. All that a
considerable Number of our Provincial Troops, in the Pay of
the Crown, had inlisted into the KingRegiments at Halifax,
induced thereto from the Prospect of being better provided for.

November 11, 1755
The Pennsylvania Gazette

An Extract of a Letter from Lieutenant Colonel Stephen, of the Virginia Regiment, Dated at Winchester, November 9, 1755.

Some Vessels are in the River from Halifax with French Neutrals, one of which came up to Town on Tuesday Night, but is since ordered down again.

Headline: An Extract of a Letter from Lieutenant Colonel Stephen, of the Virginia Regiment, Dated at Winchester, November 9, 1755;
Paper: The Pennsylvania Gazette; Date: 1755-11-20; Iss: 1404; Page: [3];

November 13, 1755
The Pennsylvania Gazette

BOSTON, November 3.

Last Monday arrived here his Majesty, a Ship Seaford,
Capt. Rawlins, in six Weeks from Plymouth, in Great Britain,
with Dispatches for several Governments on this Continent, and
several Chests of Money for the Payment of his Majesty
Troops in these Parts; and, as we hear, his Majesty
Commission to his Excellency Major General SHIRLEY, our
Governor, appointing him Commander in Chief of all the British
Land Forces upon this Continent of North America. The Otter
Sloop of War, bound for Halifax, sailed with the Seaford; and
a Number of Merchantmen bound for several Parts. Several
Officers came Passengers in the Seaford, for the King
Forces; also the Rev. Mr. Pell, Chaplain to Sir William
Pepperrell Regiment, and the Rev. Mr. Walker.

A few Days after the Seaford left Port, she fell in with
and took a French Vessel in her Return from a fishing Voyage
on the Banks: And some Days after, they took another laden
with dry Fish, which last was ransomed: The Seaford brought in
here dome of the Men belonging to the Prizes. We also hear
that the Otter Sloop of War had taken one or two Prizes.

The Seaford was also in Sight of Admiral HawkeSquadron,
and spoke with the Newcastle Man of War, which informed, that
the Fleet had taken and sent in about forty Sail of French
Ships; and had in their Cruize looked into Brest, Rochefort,.
and all the principal French Ports, but could discern no great
Appearance of a Naval Armament.

Monday last the Snow Diamond, Capt. James Kirkwood arrived
here in seven Weeks from London, but last from Portsmouth: He
informs us, that off the Western Islands he was brought to by
two French Men of War, who, after interrogating him for some
Time, admitted him to proceed on his Voyage: Some of the
Letters and Papers which the Passengers had, were thrown
overboard, as they expected to be taken by the Enemy. A
considerable Quantity of Powder came in Capt. Kirkwood.

By Capt. Bethune we learn, that his Majesty was returned
to his British Dominions from Hanover, and landed at Deal the
16th of September last. We also hear, that one of our 20 Gun
Ships has been taken by the French, on board of which was the
Governor of South Carolina, bound hither.

November 13, 1755
The Pennsylvania Gazette

Botson, November 3.

*Last Night Capt. M'Kay arrived here in four Days from Chignecto, who informs, that last Monday fe'nnight 12 Transports, with a great Number of Neutrals on board, sailed from that Place, under Convoy of three Men of War of 20 Guns each; and that it was thought there they were intended for South-Carolina.*

That our Men were in general in good Health. That Capt. Wilson, of one of the Companies died lately there.

Our last Advices from the Camp at lake George, brought by
an Express which arrived here last Friday, are, That Capt.
Rogers (who was sent as a Spy) with 4 Men, returned to the
Camp last Tuesday was se, and reported it as his
Opinion, that he thought there were not above 500 Men in Crown
Point Fort; that he killed and scalped a Frenchman within 70
Rods of said Fort, in the Middle of the Day, and got off
without any Loss.

By Letters from Halifax, dated October 21, we are
informed, that the Night before the Fleet sailed for England,
a most horrid Scheme was discovered, that had been laid by
some of the principal French Officers, with a Plan of the Town
and Batteries, and was done on exceeding thin Paper, and
extreme fine Writing, and was folded and pressed as close as
possible, and put up in the Middle of a Wash ball, to go to
Canada by the Way of Louisbourg. It was to take Halifax this
Winter, with a Number of Canadians, Indians and Regulars, and
when they had taken the Town, they were to fire the Batteries
upon the Ships; the Inhabitants all to be shut up in the
Church, and Fire put to it, and the Troops were all to be put
to the Sword without Quarter. The Admiral put it to the chief
Person concerned (viz. the Captain of the Alcide) who flatly
denied it; upon which the Admiral shewed it to him in his own
Hand Writing, to his horrible Confusion.

December 1, 1755
Philadelphia, Nov. 20.

Some Vessels are in the River from Halifax with French Neutrals, one of which came up to Town on Tuesday Night, but is since ordered down again.

December 4, 1755
The Maryland Gazette

"Sunday last (Nov. 30) arrived here the last of the vessels from Nova Scotia with French neutrals for this place, which make four within this fortnight who have brought upwards of 900 of them. As the poor people have been deprived of their settlements in Nova Scotia, and sent here for some political reason bare and destitute. Christian charity, nay common humanity, calls on every one according to their ability to lend their assistance and help to these objects of compassion.

December 4, 1755
The Pennsylvania Gazette

ANNAPOLIS, November 20.

A Vessel from Halifax, with French (falsely called)
Neutrals, is arrived here.

December 15, 1755
The Boston Gazette

Boston.

A Vessel from Halifax, with French (falsely called) Neutrals, is arrived at Maryland.

December 18, 1755
The Pennsylvania Gazette

Extract of a Letter from Charles Town, in South Carolina,
dated November 25, 1755.

"Our Assembly has been sitting some Days, in order to
determine what to do with the Neutral French brought here; and
I believe we shall send them further. They are insolent
Rascals, talk in a high Strain, call themselves Subjects of the
French King, own they were Neutrals, and that they took up
Arms against us, but allege for Excuse, that Col. Monckton
used them ill. They say they will settle here, if we will
allow them such Privileges as they require, particularly the
publick Exercise of their Religion, with their Priests, &c.
and unless we agree to their terms, they choose to be
transported to some of the Territories of the French King:
They will not even upon any Terms take the Oaths of
Allegiance: By this we may judge, what a pernicious dangerous
Gang they were in Nova Scotia."

1756

January 1, 1756
The Boston Weekly News-Letter

New-London (Connecticut), Jan. 22.

Yesterday Capt. Rockwell arrived here in Ship from Annapolis-Royal in Nova-Scotia, with 277 French called Neutrals, as did also Capt. Worster in a Sloop with 173.

Last Tuesday 121 MORE French Neutrals arrived here, in a Schooner from Nova-Scotia.

January 29, 1756
The Boston Weekly News-Letter

New-London, Jan. 22. [1756] Yesterday Capt. Rockwell arrived here in Ship from Annapolis-Royal in Nova-Scotia, with 277 French called Neutrals, as did also Capt. Worster in a Sloop with 173.

The Boston Weekly News-Letter 1756-01-29; Iss: 2795; New London

January 29, 1756
The Pennsylvania Gazette

From the Publick Advertiser, November 11, 1755.
To the PRINTER, &c.
SIR,

THERE have lately appeared in the Publick News Papers two
very different Articles from Paris, on the same Subject. The
first offers as the Basis of a Negotiation to deliver up all
the Countries claimed by the English, demolish the French
Forts, and restore the Neutral Islands: This is somewhat to the
Purpose.

The second comes under great Restrictions. It indeed
proposes to evacuate and demolish the Forts at Crown Point,
Niagara, and the Fork of Ohio, also to quit Pretensions to
settle on this River, but not to evacuate the adjacent
Countries, much less to deliver up all which the English claim:
They likewise require, that we should not dispute with them St.
John River in Acadia, because they cannot do without it.

This Article is aid to be insisted on in a Piece
lately published by the GovernmentDirection, relating to the
ancient Limits of Acadia, and the Stipulations in the Treaty of
Utrecht relative thereto, on which Occasion they would be glad
to know, what Arguments the English have to oppose to the
Reasons of their Court Writer?

But what signifies producing our Arguments; since the
Writer of the Paragraph, who may be the Court Writer himself,
at the same time tells us, it may be from the Manner
in which this Point is treated (in said State Pamphlet) that
whether their Ministry be in the Right or Wrong, they will
risque a War, rather than give it up; because Canada will be of
little Advantage to them, unless the Limits of Acadia be
settled to their Liking."

People who will have Things right or wrong, are not to be
satisfied, however convinced by Arguments; and therefore I
shall not give myself the Trouble to gratify their Curiosity:
However, to satisfy our Countrymen, that the River St. John
ought by no Means to be yielded to the French, I shall offer
the following Reasons.

1. Because the Limits of the Country are to be settled no
as they would like to have them settled, but as they have
agreed by the Utrecht and Aix la Chapelle Treaties they should
be settled, that it, to the Liking of the English.

2. Because, without that River, Nova Scotia would be of as
little Use to us, as they say Canada will be to them: And I
hope they do not think they have been such good Neighbours,
that we ought to hurt ourselves in any Respect to oblige them.

3. It would be no less Folly on our Side to give, than it
argues Effrontery on theirs to ask, the Possession of a River
which runs thro' the Heart of one Country.

4. Because the River St. John passing with a Sweep, from
the Borders of New England, thro' the Countries of Sagadahok and
Nova Scotia, the Giving it up would be giving up to them both
those Provinces.

5. Because, if possessed of this River, they would settle
and fortify it, gain all the Indians with their Fur Trade, and,
by their Help, become Masters of the Whole.

6. Because the Mouth of the River being directly opposite
to Port Royal, the Possession of it might enable them at any
Time to annoy that or any other of our Settlements in the Bay of
Fundi, and the neighbouring Coasts.

7. Because, from what has been said, it appears that the
three Forts, &c. which they offer, are by no Means an
Equivalent for a River, without which that Country will be of
no Use to them: And who would part with a River, the Keeping of
which will rid us of such unsufferable Neighbours, without
being at the Trouble to drive them out.

These are Reasons, methinks, more than sufficient to hinder
us from complying with their menacing Request. But, supposing
we had none of them, yet we ought not to do it; because after
endeavouring for so many Years past to trick us out of the
Province by Fraud and Force, they have now the Audacity, seeing
themselves likely to be disappointed, to threaten right or
wrong to get it from us. This is adding to Injury the highest
Insult, and ought to be resented by Britons with all their
Strength and Indignation. I am, Sir, your, &c. P.C.

February 5, 1756
The Pennsylvania Gazette

From the Gentleman Magazine for September, 1755.
A Scheme proposed for driving the French out of the Continent
of America in one YearTime.

1. THAT 60 independent Companies, of 100 Men each, besides
Commission and Noncommission Officers, be formed as soon as
possible, and the Command of each company given to the most
experienced Officers now upon Half pay.

2. That 50 private Men, who have seen the most Service, be
draughted, by equal Proportions, out of all the Regiments of
Foot in England, Scotland and Ireland, and put into each of
the said independent Companies; the other 50 to be recruited
by the Officers of the said independent Companies, and all
sent to our Colonies in America, as soon as compleated.

3. That an Estimate be made of the Strength and Numbers of
People in each of our said Colonies, and Orders sent to each
Governor to cause his Colony to raise as many able bodied Men
as May answer the Contingency of each according to the
Estimate; so that the whole Number to be raised be not less
than 14,000 effective Men, besides Commission and
Noncommission Officers.

4. That an Act be passed, as soon as the Parliament meets,
to oblige each Colony to raise the Number of Men assigned;
also to arm and accoutre them, and to march them to whatever
Part of the Continent his Majesty shall appoint, and subject
them to martial Law.

5. That a Man of Fortune, Courage and Abilities, and who
may be most in the Esteem of the People of the Colonies, be
sent from hence to command the whole; and that two Major
Generals, two Brigadier Generals, and five or six Field
Officers, be sent to serve under him, and that the general
Rendezvous of all the American Troops be at Albany.

6. That Orders be immediately sent to build seven flat
bottomed Ships, in some of the Ports of New England, four of
500 Tons, to carry 20 Guns (24 Pounders) upon one Deck, and to
draw by ten, or ten and a Half Feet Water; their Complement 70
Sailors, and 100 Marines; two of 300 Tons each, to carry 16
Guns (12 Pounders) also upon one Deck, and to draw but eight
Feet Water; their complement 50 Sailors, and 70 Marines; and a
Bomb ship.

7. That Orders be, at the same time, sent to build seven
other Ships, of the same Dimensions, at Carolina, or some of
our southern Colonies; save only, that two should be of the
largest Model, and four of the less, and a Bomb ship. These
Ships would inevitably destroy any Seaport Fortress they could
come within Musket shot of in smooth Water, they could
therefore destroy all the Forts in Canada and Missisippi,
without fearing the Attack of French Men of War, because they
could draw up in such shoal Water, that ships of grater Force
could not follow them. There is no a Model of such a Vessel at
the Admiralty Office, Whitehall, which was made by their
Lordships Directions from a Plan exhibited by the Author of
this Scheme.

8. That all our Troops be furnished at Albany with all
Sorts of Provisions for three Months, a good Train of
Artillery, Carts, Waggons, Draught and Baggage Horses, Spades,
Pick axes, Shovels, and all Manner of Implements of War: Then
to march to the South side of Champlain Lake, the most Part of
which Rout is Water Carriage; and there they may be joined by
all the Warriors of the Five Nations, and our other friendly
Indians, who, with their Canoes and other Boats, will assist
our Troops in crossing the Lake, to a navigable River, that
runs from the North side of it into the River St. Lawrence,
between Quebec and Montreal, and but a small Distance from
either.

But it would be necessary for our Troops, as soon as
joined by the Indians, to take the French Fort at Crown Point,
and all the other little Forts about the South side of
Champlain Lake; each would not take up 500 Troops above three
Days, if attacked with six Pieces of Cannon, 12 Pounders; and
a few of the least Sort of Bombshells thrown in, would cause
them to surrender in five or six Hours, for they have no
Magazine that is Bomb proof. All these Forts taken, the
Communication between Champlain Lake and Albany would be safe
for Convoys; and the old Indian Men, Women and Children, would
be in no Fear of being attacked while their Warriors
accompanied our Troops. A few of our Troops should be left on
some proper Place on the South side of Champlain Lake, to
erect Magazines there, while our other Troops were taking the
Forts, and a good Number of Carpenters to build some flat
bottomed Boats, and such Rafts as they build upon the Rhine in
Germany, to carry our Troops cross the Lake, and down the
River that runs from that Lake to the River St. Lawrence,
together with their Artillery, Ammunition and Provisions.
hese Boats might be constantly employed to carry every Thing
the Troops wanted from the Magazines, on the South side of
Champlain Lake, for their whole future Operations. And these
Magazines might be continually replenished from New York, by
way of Albany, there being the greatest Plenty of every Thing
to be had in the Colony of New York exceeding cheap, and as
many Draught Cattle and Horses as could be wanted.

9. The seven Ships, built in New England, should be
ordered to sail for the River St. Lawrence, at the same time
that our Troops, began their March from Albany, that they
might meet them near Quebec, to attack it both by Land and
Water at one and the same time. It is probably, indeed, that
the Ships might take it without the Land Forces, because there
is no Magazine Bomb proof. Both Ships and Troops should begin
their Operations the latter End of April, or Beginning of May.

10. The seven Ships, sent into the River St. Lawrence,
should attack the first Place they came to belonging to the
French, to alarm the Country, and draw their Troops that Way;
by which the French must divide their Forces, so as not to be
able to assemble them together in one Body, to oppose our
Troops from Albany.

11. The seven Ships, built in Carolina, should also be
sent into the River Missisippi, at the same time that our
Troops marched from Albany; and they should also attack the
first Place they come at in that River, to cause the same
Alarm in those Parts. This would put the French as it were
between two Fires.

12. As soon as Quebec should be taken, 1000 of our regular
Troops, and a good Body of Indians, sent down the River St.
Lawrence with the said seven Ships, would soon take the Island
of Orleans, and all the little Forts on both Sides that River
down to the SEa, and clear all those Parts of the French; and
as it is most probable that the French would draw off the
Troops they have now guarding their Fortifications which they
have thrown up at Chignecto, in Nova Scotia, to strengthen
their Troops at Quebec, the Troops we have now at Nova Scotia,
might take those Works as soon as they were gone, then cross
the Bay of Fundi, or march round the Peninsula, and take all
the Forts that the French have lately erected about the River
St. John, and clear all those Parts of the French.

13. The Land Forces left at Quebec, after leaving a
Garrison there, might go up along the River St. Lawrence to
Montreal, which lies upon an Island of fifteen Leagues Length,
and four Breadth, in the same River: This taken, another
Thousand of our regular Troops, with a good Body of Indians,
sent across the Lake Ontario, and down the River St. Jerome,
to meet our other seven Ships in the River Missisippi, would
soon dislodge all the French, and drive them all out of that
Country; for as soon as they heard that Quebec and Montreal
were taken, they would make no further Stand in that Country.
When Canada and Missisippi were taken, our Troops might march
back to our own Colonies, save only ten or twelve of the
independent Companies, and a few of the Ships, to guard the
Country. But there need not be many left, because when once
the FRench Governors, their regular Troops, and their Priests
are driven away, the poor Planters would be glad to live there
peaceable under his Majestymild Government, especially as
they are now kept most miserably poor under those Bigots and
Tyrants, who oppress them to the last Degree, because they
were Protestants when first sent there by Lewis XIII. after
the Siege of Rochelle, and continue so still, as far as they
dare.

14. The Five Nations, and our other friendly Indians, will
keep the French Indians in eternal Subjection; and as we are
Masters of the Sea, a few Ships of War, sent to that Coast
every Year, as we do to New England, Newfoundland, and Nova
Scotia, would for ever prevent the Return of the French into
that Country.

The whole Expence of carrying this Project into Execution
is computed, Article by Article, to amount only to 700,000 L
Sterling, which is much less than we pay in Subsidies for
maintaining the Ballance of Power; and it is insisted, that if
we had the sole Possession of America, which this Scheme, well
executed, would give us, we should have the Ballance of Power
in our own Hands.

February 26, 1756
The Boston Weekly News-Letter

Extract of a Letter from an Officer at Fort Cumberland in Nova-Scotia Dated February 6. 1756.

Col. Scott having fitted out a Party of Men in the same Dress of the Canadians and Indians, which Party, Ensign Brewen commanded, being 30 they set out after a Snow fell towards Memramcook, and had not gone far in that Road before he met with three Acadians, who came to him imagining them to be one of their own Parties, and would have taken fix more immediately, but by the Eagerness of the Serjeant who fired, discovered the Wolf; therefore wee obliged to return without other Success.

These Prisoners upon Examination acquainted Col. Scott, That Monsieur Beauhebere, Mon. De Ber Ville and 15 Regulars with 18 Canadians and about 300 Indians with their Families to the Number of 1000 were assembled at Shediac (opposite the Isle of St. John) to live upon the Cattle of the Country.

That Monsieur Beauhebere were preparing to come with a Party to fall upon our People when getting their Wood. Upon which Col. Scott purpos'd going to visit M. Beauhebere; and by a Council that he call'd, it was agreed to prepare 500 Men for this Undertaking: whereupon all the Taylors were employed in making Indian Stockings, Cafes for their Firelocks, Mittens, and Waistcoats, and the French Prisoners in making Mogasons [moccasins]. When our Preparations were about two Thirds completed, a Deserter came to us, (a German who had been one of the first at Halifax) who acquainted us of M. Beauhebere's being march'd with about 130 Indians, and that he came with a Certainty of Success, as he had sent a Party 10 Days before to reconnoiter, who had it in their Power alone (as they reported) to have kill'd 50 of our Men; but their Orders were not to discover themselves. The Deserter assur'd us that he knew the very Place where M. Beauhebere would halt, and that he would lead a Party directly upon him in the Night.

This to us all was welcome News; and was immediately resolv'd upon to set out with 350 Men which Col. Scott himself went to command. We began our March at 11 o'Clock, and thro' as bad a Road as was ever march'd being half Leg deep al the Way in Snow Water; We got to the wish'd for Place just before dawn, but to our great Mortification there were no Enemy there; and by the hurry and eagerness of our Front who first came to the House where we imagin'd they were and fir'd a Platoon which making an Alarm, we concluded it would be in vain to seek furthers. We made Fires there and refresh'd our Men, and in two Hour set out upon our Return; but we had scarce quite the Woods with our Rear when they set up their Yell and gave us a Fire which our brave New-England Men quickly return'd and answer'd their Cry; and the whole facing about pursued them into the Woods, but to little Purpose.

March 1, 1756
New York Mercury

By Letters from Antigas, we are inform'd that one the 19th ult. The Snow Edward, Capt. Cook, bound for Connecticut, with 260 Acadians (commonly called French Neutrals) on baord, and on the 22d the Brigt. Experiment, Capt. Stoddard, bound for New York, with 200 more of those People, had put in there; having been out 6 Weeks from Nova Scotia, met with very bad Weather, and beat off the Northern Coasts.

March 4, 1756
The Pennsylvania Gazette

Charles Town, in South Carolina, Feb. 5.

Two Parties of the French Neutrals have already attempted
to make their Escape from this Town, by traveling towards the
Northward, but have been retaken and brought back, one of
them, we hear, had gone as high as Monck Corner, but the
other no farther than Goose Creek Bridge.

Captain Bolitho, who arrived here last Tuesday Evening
from Barbados, we hear made his Passage in ten Days.

A Private Letter from a Gentleman in London, to his FRiend
in this Town, dated November 28th, says, That we are likely to
be deprived of Mr. Lyttleton, as our Governor; for that he was
(that Day) told, from good Authority, that Col. Haldane would
be appointed, and Mr. Lyttleton have the Government of
Barbados.

Feb. 12. Tho' two Parties of Acadians, who attempted to
make their Escape from this Town, have been retaken and
brought back, we hear there are still thirty of the Men
missing. And we have just received an Account, that five or
six of them, on the third Instant, went to the Plantation of
Mr. John Williams, junior, at Santee, while he was from Home,
terrified his Wife very much, robbed the House of Fire Arms
and Clothes, and broke open a Box, out of which they took some
Money, &c. and that the Neighbourhood, having gone in Quest of
them as soon as they were informed of this Transaction, had
track them into the River Swamp. As it is apprehended to be
the Duty of every Civil and Military Officer throughout the
Province (as it is indeed of every Inhabitant) to prevent such
Outrages, &c. &c. hoped these Acadians will not be
suffered to commit any more Robberies, or even to appear
beyond the Limits prescribed them.

We hear that more French Captures have been carried into
Jamaica, and St. Kitts, since those we have lately mentioned.

By Letters from Antigua, we are informed, that on the 19th
ult. the Snow Edward, Capt. Cook, bound for Connecticut, with
260 Acadians (commonly called French Neutrals) on board, and
on the 22d the Brig Experiment, Capt. Stoddard, bound for New
York, with 200 more of those People, had put in there; having
then been out six Weeks from Nova Scotia, met with very bad
Weather, and beat off the Northern Coasts.

March 4, 1756
The Pennsylvania Gazette

BOSTON, February 23.

They write from Halifax, that they are about, as far as
the Season will admit, three new Forts, with Barracks, viz.
one Barrack on the Citadel Hill, which is to be 365 Feet long,
and 35 wide, of two Stories, which Hill and Barrack is to be
walled in the Circumference of the whole Hill, which is very
large, and to be mounted with a great Number of Cannon, which
will command not only the whole Town, but also as far as
Cannon Ball will reach back into the Woods; so that 20,000 Men
could not come to do it any Damage, as the Hill is very steep,
and lookupon to be impracticable to raise a Bomb
battery so near as to reach it. Another Fort and Barrack is to
be erected on the Wind mill Hill (so called) about Half a Mile
to the Southward of it, but of smaller Dimensions. And a third
at a Place called Pleasant Point, at the North side of the
Northwest Arm, so called.

By Captain Knox from Halifax we are informed, that the Day
he sailed, an Account came in from Chignecto, that one of the
French Inhabitants having come to the English Fort there, and
informed that about 300 French and Indians were near, and
intended to cut off the English Wood cutter, Lieutenant
Colonel Scott, with about 300 of the Provincial Troops, went
in Quest of them, and having been out a Day and Night without
discovering the Enemy, he concluded the Deserter had deceived
him, and was returning to the Fort; but on his Way back, the
Enemy came upon his Rear, upon which he faced about, and
firing, killed eight Indians on the Spot, and put the rest to
Flight, many of whom were doubtless wounded, as much Blood was
found in their Tracks, upon the Pursuit. We donhear that
any of our People were killed or taken. Two Frenchmen were
taken Prisoners, and brought to Halifax the Day Captain Knox
left that Place.

March 8, 1756
New York Mercury

Charles-Town, in South-carolina, February 19, 1756

Since our last, we have learnt, that the Acadians who lately robbed the House of Mr. John Williams at Santee, tho' it was thought they would have laid their bones in the Swamp they had got into, have escaped from thence, and crossed the River at Maxwell's Bluff, on a Bark Log. We hear, that People in the Country are determined no more of them shall escape that way, or any other by Land; but it is probably these may reach Fort du Quesne, or Canada, (as, we hear, some have hinted they could easily find the Way) unless intercepted in some of the neighbouring Colonies thro' which they must pass.

New York Mercury ' 1756-03-08; Iss: 187; Page 2

March 11, 1756
The Boston Weekly News-Letter

Halifax, February 25.

There is Advice in Town, that Capt. Milton, who sail'd from Chignecto some Time ago with a Cargo of French Neutrals, in order to transport them to some other Place, Was, in their Passage, overcome by the French, thro' the Treachery of some of his People, who carried her into St. Mary's Bay, where they lay near a Month, after which they carried her to St. John's where they burnt the Vessel, and deliver'd the People into the Hands of the Indians.

March 11, 1756
The Pennsylvania Gazette

BOSTON, March 1.

Extract of a Letter from an officer at Fort Cumberland, in
Nova Scotia, dated February 6, 1756.

"Col. Scott having fitted out a Party of Men in the same
Dress of the Canadians and Indians, which Party Ensign Brewer
Commanded, being 30. They set out after a Snow fell towards
Memramcook, and had not gone far in that Road before he met
with three Acadians, who came to him imagining them to be one
of their own Parties, and would have taken six more
immediately, but by the Eagerness of the Serjeant who fired,
discovered the Wolf; therefore were obliged to return without
other Success. These Prisoners upon Examination acquainted
Col. Scott, That Monsieur Beauhebere, Mon. De ber Villee and
15 Regulars, with 18 Canadians, and about 300 Indians, with
their Families, to the Number of 1000, were assembled at
Shediac (opposite the Isle of St. John) to live upon the
Cattle of the Country. That Monsieur Beauhebere was preparing
to come with a Party to fall upon our People when getting
their Wood. Upon which Col. Scott proposed going to visit
Monsieur Beauhebere; and by a Council that he call, it was
greed to prepare 500 Men for this Undertaking: Whereupon all
the Taylors were employed in making Indian Stockings, cases
for their Firelocks, Mittens and Waistcoats, and the French
Prisoners in making Mogasons (moccasins). When our Preparations were about
two Thirds compleated a Deserter came to us (a German who had
been one of the first at Halifax) who acquainted us of M.
Beauhebere being marched with about 130 Indians, and that he
came with a Certainty of Success, as he had sent a Party 10
Days before to reconnoitre, who had it in their Power alone
(as they reported) to have kill50 of our Men; but their
Orders were no to discover themselves. The Deserter assured us
that he knew the very Place where M. Beauhebere would halt,
and that he would lead a Party directly up him in the Night.
This to us all was welcome News; and immediately
resolved upon to set out with 350 Men which Col. Scott himself
went to command. We began our March at 11 o'Clock, and thro'
as bad a Road as was ever march, being half Leg deep all the
Way in Snow Water: We got to the wish for Place just before
Dawn, but to our great Mortification there were no Enemy
there; and by the Hurry and Eagerness of our Front, who first
came to the house where we imagine they were, and fira
Platoon, which making an Alarm, we concluded it would be in
vain to seek further. We made Fires there and refreshed our
Men and in two Hours set out upon our Return; but we had
scarce quit the Woods with our Rear when they set up their
Yell, and gave us a Fire, which our brave New England Men
quickly return, and answered their Cry; and the whole facing
about pursued them into the Woods, but to little Purpose.

The Indians in their first Discharge kill poor Serjeant
Read, and another of Warburton, which were all that were
hurt; the Indians upon seeing them fall, endeavour to scalp
them; but the Rear which consisted of two New England
Officers, and about 15 of their Men, kept them off until more
came. Several of our People followed the Enemy into the Woods,
but it began to blow and snow extremely hard, and our Men
fatigued with the NightMarch, we callback our People and
return: Those that followed the Indians and French into the
Woods, assured us, that they found the Blood in two or three
Places of kill or wounded Men, and brought off with them 8
or 10 Pair of Snow Shoes, with a Pistol and other Trifles:
Upon our going off the second Time, they came and fired upon
our Rear (who kill one Indian) without hurting a Man of
ours. This Deserter is a most knowing clever Fellow, he has
been a Sort of Prime Minister to the Priests Le Luther and
Pere Jermin, in their Indian Affairs, which he knows
thoroughly, and all the Country: He says, that the St. John
Indians now have the Small pox, having lost lately 15 by it,
that the Penobscots brought it amongst them, which Tribe is
now almost reduced to nothing, having lost 160 last Summer and
this Winter. The Peasants that remain in the Country are in
the greatest Misery, living in the Woods, and must soon
surrender or starve, if they cannot get off to the Island of
St. John, which is their Design, that being the Reason of
Mons. Beauhebere making Shedlack (Shediac) his Quarters on Account of
the Contiguousness of that River with St. John."

Last Friday came to this Town, from Virginia, the Hon.
Colonel Washington.

March 15, 1756
Boston Evening Post

Halifax, February 21, 1756

There is Advice in Town, that Capt. Milton, who sail'd from Chignecto some Time ago with a Cargo of French Neutrals, in order to transport them to some other Place, was, in their Passage, overcome by the French, thro' the Treachery of some of his People, who carried her into St. Mary's Bay, where they lay near a Month, after which they carried her to St. John's, where they burnt the Vessel, and delivered the People into the Hands of the Indians.

A Frenchman lately taken Prisoner by Capt. Lewsisï's Party of Rangers, informs, That a Schooner from Boston, bound to Annapolis royal, on board which Capt. Lieut. Martin, and a private Matross, belonging to the Royal Train of Artillery in this Place were Passengers, having put into a small Harbour there to wait till the Wind was fair, in the Night a Number of Indians in Canoes boarded and took the Vessel, and made the Men Prisoners, but what they have done with them we have not yet heard.

[Though the ship is not named, we now that this was the Pembroke. Information about the Pembroke and the families who were on it can be found at the sidebar under Paul Delaney - The Pembroke.]

March 18, 1756
The Pennsylvania Gazette

Wednesday last Capt. Sears arrived here in 15 Days from
Halifax, by whom we have Advice, That some time ago Capt.
Milton sailed from Chignecto for the Westward, with a Cargo of
French Neutrals; but on the Passage (thro' the Treachery of
some of the Crew) they took Possession of the Vessel, and
carried her into St. Mary Bay; when, after lying a Month,
they sailed for St. John, there burnt the Vessel, and
delivered the People into the Hands of the Indians.

Capt. Sears adds, That his Majesty Snow Vulture, Captain
Scarff, and the Halifax Province Sloop, Captain Rogers, were
fitting out with all Expedition, in order, as said, to
be sent to St. John, to look after the above mentioned
Frenchmen, and some others, that were assembled there.

Capt. Libourn, in the Brig Relief, inward bound from South
Carolina, in the great Snow Storm we had here Friday and
Saturday last, parted her Cables and went on Shore on the
Inside of the Hook; --- the Crew with Difficulty saved
themselves, but the Vessel and Cargo feared will be lost.
Capt. Price from Philadelphia also went ashore, but by
unloading her will be recovered. Two other Sloops, unknown,
are also upon the Beach, and probably may be got off without
much Damage. News from Bristol in eight Weeks, Via Carolina,
is, That the French had not then made any Captures of English
Vessels; and that the latter still continued taking those of
the former.

March 25, 1756
The Pennsylvania Gazette
WHEREAS the wife and seven children of Francis Tibaudau, nine
Children of Germain John Petre, and Anthony Landry and his
wife, the two first of Pisguit river, and the latter of the
Inhabitants river, have been sent to some of the king
colonies, and the said Francis Tibaudau, Germain John Petre,
and some of the children of the said Anthony Landry being in
the city of Philadelphia; This publick notice is given, that
if possible intelligence may be received by the abovementioned
late inhabitants of Nova Scotia, or by the commissioners
hereunder named, WILLIAM GRIFFITTS, JACOB DUCHEE, and THOMAS
SAY.

April 5, 1756
Boston Evening Post

Philadelphia March 25.

Saturday last Capt. Calvert arrived here from Barbados, by whom there is Advice, that on the 8th of last Month about seven in the Evening, a Fire broke out in Bridgetown, in a Store belonging to one Mr. Blackman, which was full of Cotton, and other Goods, taken out of one of the French Prizes lately carried in there, and burnt with great Violence till Five o'Clock the next Morning, in which Time between 70 and 80 Houses were destroyed, and some Lives lost, and was at last got under by blowing up four Houses, two at each End of the Street or Alley that was on Fire. It is said the Loss is computed to above One Hundred Thousand Pounds. -

We hear that this Fire is strongly suspected to be occasioned by the French Neutrals lately brought to that Island, or the Negro Slaves, as several other Fires broke out in different Parts of the Town soon after, and that a continual Watch and Patrol are now kept all over the Town.

April 13, 1756
CharlesTown, South Carolina

Extract of a Letter from Charlettown, South-Carolina, dated April 13, 1756

"We are at last advised again, that our worthy new Governor (Mr. Lyttelton) is to come out soon, which gives us no small joy. We watch the Acadians narrowly; A Detachment from our Militia, besides a hired Watch, and the Soldiers of the Independent Companies, mount Guard every Night. Upwards of 80 of this People put to Sea in seven Canows (canoes), last Thursday Evening, intending to coast it along, and pass thro' the Inlets to Nova-Scotia: They have obtained Passports from the Governor, as we hear about 300 more have. We cannot devise what our G - would be at."

April 22, 1756
The Boston Weekly News-Letter

Charles-Town, South-Carolina, April 1, 1756

Sunday arrived Capt. James, in 18 Days from Boston.

The Acadians who were sent from Nova-Scotia to Georgia, having (as we hear) obtained Leave from His Excellency Governor Reynolds to quit that Province, have built Boats to transport themselves hither; and on Monday about 200 of them, in 10 of those Boats arrived in Wappoo Creek, within a few Miles of this Town, convoyed from Port Royal by one of our Scout Boats, lest they should attempt to any mischief by the Way. What is proposed to be done with them, we have not yet learnt. We hear, these People are infatuated with a Notion, that they shall obtain Leave to pass, in like Manner, thro' all the Governments on this side Nova-Scotia, 'till they reach it; but such have not considered, to what End they have been removed from thence.

April 23, 1756
The New York Mercury

"Thursday last, a Brig with 200 Acadians arrived here from St. Kitts, being blown of our coast in the winter."

Headline: Extract of a Letter from Albany, Dated April 23, 1756;
Paper: The New York Mercury; Date: 1756-05-03; Iss: 195; page 3

May 6, 1756
The Pennsylvania Gazette

PHILADELPHIA, May 6. 1756

We hear from Virginia, that that Government, at their own
Expence, are going to send the French Neutrals that are there
to England.

May 13, 1756
The Boston Weekly News-Letter

Extract of a Letter from an Officer at Fort Cumberland, in Nova Scotia, dated April 28th. 1756.

As for News I have only to let you know, That on Monday last a Number of Indians (suppos’d to be large) advanc’d towards Fort Monckton (commanded by Capt. Hill, and 70 Regulars) and killed 9 and captivated one ; and the next Day paid us a Visit, and had the Impudence to send some of their Number on this Side Tantamar-Creek early in the Morning, and kill’d one of the Regulars, and took or killed on Noah Williams of Taunton, a young Lad of our Troops, belonging to Capt. Gilbert’s Company – I am fearful he is killed, as we have found the Body of the Regular, stript naked and scalped, as likewise the Lad’s Coat : This has set us in an Alarm, and we are preparing to send a large Body to Gasperau To-morrow. -

We are told, that some of the French Neutrals that arrived here last Week, are to be sent to Long Island, and the rest to New-Rochell.

May 27, 1756
The Pennsylvania Gazette

Charles Town, in South Carolina, May 1. 1756

We hear that an Offer has been made to the Acadians here,
to supply them with Vessels, &c. at the Publick Charge, for
transporting themselves elsewhere, as they have frequently
solicited (or rather demanded;) but that having refused to
accept the Offer, because not exactly corresponding with their
own Humor, a Method has been fallen upon that will render it
less troublesome and less expensive.

Those that went from hence some Weeks since, stopt at
several of the Inlets (if not all) on our Sea Coast
(Northward) and at Winyah raised their Boats to proceed, with
the more Safety, farther.

May 7. This Day upwards of 80 Acadians went from hence in
Canoes, for the Northward: The Country Scout Boats accompany
them as far as Winyah.

Yesterday upwards of 50 more of those People went for
Virginia, in the Sloop Jacob, Capt. Noel.

May 20, 1756
The Pennsylvania Gazette

BOSTON, May 10.

Saturday last arrived here Capt. Thompson in 9 Days from
Chignecto, and informs, that a Body of French and Indians had
taken and killed 8 of our Men near Gaspereau; and that they
killed two more or our Men about half a Mile from the Fort at
Chignecto, two Days before he sailed.

June 10, 1756
The Pennsylvania Gazette

NEW HAVEN, May 29.

This Day His MajestyShip Syren, Capt. Proby,
Commander, arrived at New London, with Letters from the
Ministry to the Governor and Company, relating to the Effects
of the late Snow St. Joseph, of St. Helena, and her Cargoe.

The same Day Capt. Ephraim Cook arrived there with 180
French, called Neutrals.

July 1, 1756
The Pennsylvania Gazette

New-York, June 28.

We hear a great Number of the French Neutrals, some say seven Boat Loads, who were permitted to leave Georgia and South-Carolina, arrived and stopt in Monmouth County, somewhere near Shrewsbury, in the Jerseys; and a Council is called at Elizabeth-Town about them.

The seven Boat load of French Neutrals, lately landed in the Jerseys, pass'd this City this Week, and landed a few Miles to the Eastward of it, having coasted it from Georgia, &c.

July 26, 1756
Boston Evening Post

Extract of Another Letter of the same date

A few Days ago Advice came to Town, that about 90 French Neutrals (falsely so called) were arrived in Barnstable Bay, near Cape Cod. They were first sent to Georgia, but they not liking the Country, nor the Country liking them, they have been suffered to coast it along from one Government to another, till at last they are come to be an addition Trouble and charge to this.

Yesterday a fishing Schooner arrived here from Cape-Sable Shore, the Master of which informs, that about a Fortnight ago, he spoke with the Nightingale Man of War (Lord Loudon on board) just come from Halifax, and by her was told, that one of our Ships had taken a French Privateer from Louisburg, doubtless bound this Way for Provisions.

August 19, 1756
The Pennsylvania Gazette

HALIFAX, July 17.

Last Saturday, in the Afternoon, Captain Kent, with his
Party of Volunteers, of about Forty, who had been after the
Indians, returned here; they travelled upwards of 800 Miles to
and fro in the Woods after them, but without Success: They
inform, that a Number of the Rebel French have got together,
and made a small Settlement about 20 Miles from the Fort at
Pisguit, where they have fine Fields of Corn, &c. growing, and
have rebuilt some Houses and Barns. Captain Kent’s party
brought to Town with them about 170 Head of French Cattle, and
17 good Horses.

August 30, 1756
The Boston Gazette, or Weekly Journal

Extract of a Letter from Ghoshen, Dated Aug. 14.

Eighty French Neutrals came to Town yesterday having pleasured it along the Coast from Georgia.

September 6, 1756
The Boston Gazette or Weekly Journal

New-York, August 30.

The French Neutrals that arrived here on Sunday the 22 Instant, from Georgia, as mentioned in our last, were stopped, and their Canoes taken from them, by Order of his Excellency our Governor; and we hear are to be dispersed in different Parts of this Province

September 9, 1756
The Pennsylvania Gazette

BOSTON, August 30.

By Letters from Fort Cumberland, at Chignecto, dated the
14th Instant, we learn, That they were building a large
Magazine in that Fort; and that as some of the Masons and
Labourers were lately getting Stones for the Work, three
Quarters of a Mile Distance from the Fort, attended by a Party
of Soldiers, a Number of Indians suddenly arose and fired upon
them, but hurt none, only the Serjeant of the Guard had a Shot
through the Brim of his Hat: Upon which our Men, being about
the same in Number, fired and killed one of the Indians, whom
they scalped; the Indians retreated immediately, when our
People got four Guns, four Blankets, and two Hatchets, which
they left, and saw several Tracks of Blood, so that it is
supposed one more at least was killed, and some others
wounded. The Indians were about 28 in Number; and it was
thought they had laid in wait several Days.

Saturday Night last arrived here Captain Freeman, from
Halifax, who informs, that the Day before he left that Place,
which was the 20th Infant, Captain Hale, who was sent to
Louisbourg by Governor Lawrence as a Flag of Truce, retuned,
and reported, that the French Fleet (5 in Number) were sailed
for Old France, and that some of the Commodore Holmes
Squadron were in Pursuit of them. We also hear, that Captain
Knox was arrived at Halifax, and brought in with him a second
Prize, a French Dogger, bound from Old France to Louisbourg,
laden with Wine, Brandy, Oyl, and dry Goods: She is esteemed a
valuable Prize.

Three Transport Sloops, with 141 private Soldiers, besides
Officers, of Col. ScottBattallion, arrived here Yesterday
from Chignecto, having been 16 Months in the Service there:
Major Fry cam in one, and informs us that the Indians still
continue very troublesome, having attempted lately at two
different Times to burn a Blockhouse, but meeting with such a

September 13, 1756
Boston Evening Post

BOSTON.
Province of the Massachusetts Bay.} By His Excellency the Governor.

Whereas considerable Numbers of the French People, late Inhabitants of Nova Scotia, who were by Order of that Government transported into some of the Southern English Colonies, and have come off from thence in order to return back to Nova Scotia, which would be of pernicious Consequence : And many of the said French People have come into this Government, and have been stopp’d and secured from proceeding further ; and it is probable others may attempt to pass through this Province upon the same Design ;

I do therefore hereby require all His Majesty’s Officers, and all other his good subjects, within this Government, to do every Thing in their Power to prevent the same ; and particularly, to endeavour to make Discovery of any French People from the said Southern Colonies that may be found in this Province, and to stop their Proceeding : and that they inform some one or more of His Majesty’s Justices of the Peace thereof, who are hereby required to secure the said French People, giving speedy Information thereof to me, that so further Orders may be given thereon.

Given under My Hand at Boston, the Eighth Day of September, One thousand seven Hundred and Fifty-six. In the Thirtieth Year of His Majesty’s Reign.

W. Shirley.

By His Excellency’s Command, with the advice of the Council,
J. Willard, Sec’ry.

Province of the Massachusetts, } September 11. 1756.

September 20, 1756
Boston Evening Post

Falmouth, June 17, 1756. Arriv'd, the Fanny, Bovey, from Virginia, with 204 Neutral French on board, being sent by the Governor of Virginia, he apprehending they would go and join their Countrymen and the Indians in their Interest.

June 23. The Virginia Packet, Ball, is arrived at Bristol, from Virginia, with 299 more neutral French on board.

[Note: The Acadians deported to Virginia were sent on to England where they would be prisoners until 1763.]

September 25, 1756
AMERICA

Halifax, Nova-Scotia, Sept. 25. [1756]

Thursday two Men arrived here with Expresses from Capt. Mercier at Pisguit, to his Excellency our Governor, informing him, that as some of our Men were at Work at some Distance from the Fort, threshing Corn and baking Bread for the Use of the Garrison, with a Guard consisting of a Serjeant and 12 Men, 4 of the French Neutrals discover'd themselves at a small distance from them, upon which the Serjeant and his Party pursu'd them 'till they came to a Hollow, when they were immediately surrounded by about 100 of the French, who took the Seerjeant and 6 of his Men Prisoners, the other 6 by firing and retreating in the best Manner they could, got back to the Fort, with only one wounded.

October 11, 1756
Boston Evening Post

Bristol, June 26.

On Saturday arriv'd here from Virginia, the Virginia Packet with three hundred French Neutrals, a great Part of whom are Women and Children. They lay at our Kay waiting for Orders frm Above, for the Disposal of them, vast Numbers of the Citizens flocking daily to see them, and Thursday were removed to Guinea-Street, and are allow'd Six pence per Head per Day with any Deduction, which will afford them a comfortable Support in their present deplorable Circumstances. - Several hundred more are shortly expected.

October 28, 1756
The Pennsylvania Gazette

Captain Shippy, from Chignecto, for New York, touched at
Portsmouth last Thursday in three Days, and informed, that
there had been lately discovered a large Body of French and
Indians; upon which the English demolished Fort Lawrence, and
Fort Monkton, at Bay Vert, and repaired with all their Force
to Fort Cumberland; and that there was also a Talk of
demolishing the Fort at Pisguit.

December 9, 1756
The Pennsylvania Gazette

BOSTON, November 29.

The same Day a fishing Schooner arrived here from
Halifax, in which came Passenger Capt. Sawyer, late Master of
a Brigantine belonging to this Town, and bound in from Lisbon,
who gives the following Account, That on the first Instant,
about 50 Leagues to the Eastward of Cape Anne, he was taken by
a French Privateer Schooner from Louisbourg, carrying 6
carriage Guns, with a few Swivels, and 80 odd Men (the same
that was lately described in this Paper.) That a few Hours
after he was taken, the Privateer fell in with and took two of
our fishing Schooners, and carried all her Prizes to
Louisbourg, where one of the fishing Vessels was immediately
fitted out for a Privateer, which made up their Number five in
that Port. That the French hearing that all the Men of War at
Halifax were laid up, that no English Vessels of War were
abroad, and that Vessels with Provisions, &c. were constantly
going to Halifax from this Province and the other Governments,
they designed to send three Privateers to cruize off Halifax
and Capt. Sable, and two others to cruize between Block Island
and the Capes of Delaware.

Captain Sawyer was also informed at
Louisbourg, that they soon expected 4000 Troops from Canada,
to attack our Forts at Minas and Chignecto. That a Flag of
Truce arriving at Louisbourg from Halifax, 28 English
Prisoners (all they had) were returned, one of which Capt.
Sawyer.

1757

May 27, 1757
The New-Hampshire Gazette

Boston, May 23

Yesterday Morning arrived here Capt McKnown, in Days from Annapolis, and informs, that just before he sail'd, a Man was carried off by two Frenchmen, (suppos'd to be lurking Neutrals) but a little Distance from the Fort, as he was looking for Cattle; a Party went out in Pursuit of them, but return'd without Success

June 2, 1757
The Pennsylvania Gazette

HALIFAX, May 7.

Saturday last a Party arrived here from Pisguit, who
brought Advice, that a Number of French having collected
together about 90 Head of Cattle, with an Intent to carry them
off, which the English having Intelligence of, sent out a
Party of Men to intercept them; that the French drew up
together, in order for an Engagement, but seeing the English
too numerous for them, they immediately betook themselves to
the Woods, and made their Escape, leaving the Cattle, which
were drove to the Fort by our Party.

September 22, 1757
The Pennsylvania Gazette

BOSTON, September 12.

Captain Gay, from the Bay of Fundy, informs, that Governor
Lawrence was arrived at Chignecto, with two Regiments of Men,
from Halifax, convoyed by the Success Man of War, and Vulture
Sloop.

November 3, 1757
The Pennsylvania Gazette

BOSTON, October 24.

Extract of the Letter from a gentleman at Fort Cumberland,
in Chignecto, dated October 6, 1757.

"We are all well, and the Works go on briskly; we have now
about 3000 good Troops, and the Garrison in a good Posture of
Defence, besides a strong Entrenchment in Front. I imagine the
Reason of the Enemy not troubling us is, because their
reconnoitring Parties have seen the Numbers much larger than
they really are, as we have 15 Sail of Topsail Vessels, and
those large, besides 20 Sail of Sloops and Schooners. This
Night a Party of 300 Men marches towards the Bay Very, to see
if they can discover any Motions of the Enemy, and do what
Damage to the Road they can."

November, 28, 1757
Boston Post Boy

BOSTON November 28.

We have advice from Chignecto, that a small trading Schooner, John Arbuckle of East-York, Master and Owner, lying within the Point of a Creek, not far from the Fort, the Master being ashore, was in the Night, boarded by some Frenchmen; and, being seen under sail the next Morning, was pursued by a Boat with 5 or 6 Men upon whom they fired; and running the Schooner ashore on the other Side of the Bay, 'tis suppos'd took what Money they found (which is said to be 1200 Dollars) and other Things, they then set her on Fire and went off with two Men that were on board.

February 16, 1758
The Pennsylvania Gazette

BOSTON, January 23.

BY a Vessel from Chignecto, in Nova Scotia, we hear, that
on the 8th of last Month, 8 or 9 Men being out from the
Garrison of Annapolis Royal to get Wood, they were fired upon
by a Party of Indians, and two of them killed; the others
returning to the Fort, and giving Information thereof, Capt.
Pigot, of the Grenadiers, with 150 Men, went out in Pursuit of
the Enemy, but making no Discovery, they divided into Parties
to return, and crossing a Brook, were fired upon by a Number
of the Enemy, and the Captain and 16 of his Men were killed on
the Spot; 24 were missing, including the 16, the rest got in
safe.

1758

April 13, 1758
The New-Hampshire Gazette

Boston April 10.

Yesterday return'd here Thomas Lovis, in three Days from Chignecto in a Schooner whereof Nathaniel Woodward was late Master, who gives the following Intelligence; That on the 30th of March at half after Eleven o'Clock at Night about 40 of the French Neutrals (formerly so called) came down upon Woodward's Vessel, and Thompson's, which lay in a Creek near a Mile from the Fort, and at the same Time some of them came upon Capt. Gay's Vessel, which lay in another Creek at a small Distance: They called upon them to Surrender, and good quarters would be given, which being absolutely refused, twenty-five of them rush'd in upon Capt. Woodward, kill'd him, his Mate, and a young Man named Thomas Audibert, and threw them overboard, bound the others and carried them ashore, with above 700 Dollars; at the same time some of them enter'd Thompson's Vessel, who defended themselves bravely, had one Man wounded; and fired two Guns to give the alarm to Capt. Gay's Vessel who were likewise defending themselves; who having Swivel Guns and a Guard on board, gave the Alarm to the Fort, who immediately sent out a large Party of Regulars; upon which the enemy made great Haste to their Boats. -

The Regulars fir'd upon the enemy and kill'd, it is suppos'd, some of them died. The rest of Woodward's People got safe to the Regulars. Those People which were kill'd, were cut in a terrible Manner, with Tomahawk's &c. They said they were Friends of Beaubiere, who is a Chief among these People which escaped in the Year 1755.

Lieut. Walker with a Number of Rangers having been out on a Scouting Party, return'd the Day after the above Affair happen'd, with the Women and Children of two Families; and 'tis tho't the Men were in the above Party of the Enemy.

April 27, 1758
The Pennsylvania Gazette

BOSTON, April 17, 1758.

Yesterday Capt. Loris arrived here in 3 Days from
Chignecto , who informs, that on the 30th of March past, at 11
o'Clock at Night, about 40 of the French Neutrals came upon a
Schooner,--- Woodward, Master, and a Sloop, --- Thompson,
Master, which lay in a Creek about a Mile from the Fort there,
as also upon Capt. Gay’s Sloop, which lay in another Creek at
a small Distance from the other Vessels; the Enemy called to
them to surrender, and good Quarters should be given, which
being refused, about 25 of them boarded Capt. Woodward, struck
the Mate, one Nickles, with a Tomahawk; stabbed him, and then
threw him overboard, as also a young Man named Audibert, was
served in the same cruel Manner, and carried Capt. Woodward,
with the other of his People, bound, on shore: At the same
Time some of them entered Capt. Thompson Vessel, who
defended themselves bravely, and fired two Guns to give the
Alarm to Capt. Gay Vessel, who was likewise engaged with a
few of the, and they alarmed the Fort, who sent out a Party to
their Assistance, upon which the Enemy took to their Boats,
having first killed Capt. Woodward: The Party from the Fort
came up just as they had put off, and fired upon them, and it
is thought killed some; the other two of Woodward’s Men got
safe back: The Enemy took above 700 dollars out of the Vessel,
and destroyed several Things that were in the Hold. The next
Day Lieut. Walker, of he Ranging Party, having been out on a
Scout, brought in two Families, Women and Children; and it is
thought the Men were with the above Enemy Party, and they
said they were Friends to Beaubiere, the Head of the said
party.

By the Vessels which arrived last from Lisbon we learn,
that by the great Preparations making by the Spaniards it was
generally thought there they would soon declare War against
England.

May 5, 1758
The New-Hampshire Gazette

Boston, May 1.

Capt. Thompson in a Schooner bound from this Port to Pisguit in the Bay of Fundy was lately drove ashore on a Reef near that Place, in a high Gale of Wind, and Part of the Cargo lost; the Vessel was afterwards burnt by the Neutrals.

July 31, 1758
Boston Post Boy

Extract of a Letter from Fort-Cumberland (Chignecto) to a Gentlemen in this Town, dates July 19, 1758.

On Saturday the 15th Instant arrived here 5 Men which made their Escape from the French at Meremeshea (Miramichi) the 7th; viz. Srjt. Parker of Capt. Gorham's Company taken near Halifax this Spring; - Mills Servant to Lieut. Dixon; Capt. Arbuckle's Servant, and two Men of the 43d Regiment, taken the Day before Capt. Pigu was kill'd at Annapolis; they came off 12 in Company in Canoes, with an Intention to row down the Bay to the Bay De Verde, but were so closely pursued, that they were obliged to put to the Woods, seven of which deliver'd themselves up at a French Village, among whom was Capt. Arbuckle's Mate and Brother-in-law, the other five put forward and made good their Way, some swimming Rivers, and towing those that could not, a-cross on a Raft, and were 4 Days without any other Substinence than Straberry's;

They left Prisoners at Meremishea Lieut. Dixon and Mr. Effon of Annapolis only, the former just recover'd of his Wounds. They give the following Intelligence, viz. that the French on St. John's River had rigg'd out McNeal's Schooner with two 6, and four 4-Poundrs, and fifty-odd Men commanded by old Bouselel, they have taken Capt. Grow in a Schooner with Brick and Lime for this Garrison, and Capt. Mayors in a Sloop with Provisions for Annapolis, one of which is fitted out for Sea to go in Consort with the former, the third will be ready to join them in a few Days, - that the French and Indians from St. John's River was going against Georgies and the Eastern Settlements in New-England, - that the French told these Men while Prisoners, that after their return from New-England they intended burning the Huts and Out-houses here and at Annapolis. - Lieut. Mech was dispatched Yesterday with 3 Boats and 30 Men to Halifax where we expect he will arrive To-morrow s the Weather has answer'd for his SeaPassage. - Daniel Long an Irishman who lived at Annapolis, and one Johnson an Inhabitant there, (lately and English Pilot,) was the principal Commander in carrying off our Cattle, Dixon's Acton, Capt. Pigu's, and that between Pisguit and Halifax, and they are look'd upon in Command next to Governor Bobear and Leverveale ; the Men missing in the Action with Capt. Pigu was all kill'd: Lieut. Dixon with 25 Rangers in the Month of June 1757, fought the French 110 in Number 3 Hours, had 5 Men killed and himself much Wounded; the French lost 14 of their Number, and if not for the Imprudence of one Man who was the Occasion of the Party's being discover'd would have come up with the French all asleep.-

August 3, 1758
The Pennsylvania Gazette

BOSTON, July 17.

BY Capt. Dogget, who arrived here last Friday Morning, in
six Days from Chignecto, we have Advice, That about 30 of the
French Neutrals (falsely so called) had come down in the
Night, within about a Mile of our Fort there, and carried off
nine or ten head of Cattle; upon which, next Morning Capt.
Danks, with a Party of about 60 Men (Rangers) went out in
Pursuit of them by Land, whilst another small Party went up
the River with a Sloop, as a Decoy, which had its desired
Effect; for the Frenchmen thinking our whole Force was on
board the Sloop, came down to the Side of the River, upon a
Point of Land, and engaged the Sloop for some Time; upon
which, as hand been before agreed upon, the Sloop drew off,
and went down the River again, as if repulsed; the Monsieurs
then thinking themselves secure, went to diverting themselves
with a Game at Quoits; by which Time Capt. Danks and his Men
had got on the Back of them, and divided his Party into three
Divisions, himself leading the Center, and surrounded them in
such a Manner, that there was not way for the Enemy to escape,
but by crossing the River, which at that Place was very rapid;
our People got within Gun shot before they were discovered,
upon which they fired and killed one Frenchman on the Spot,
and wounded another, twelve others of them immediately took to
the River, four of which were shot dead soon after they jumped
in, and four were drowned before they got half way over, the
other four were seen to land on the opposite Side; three or
four others made their Escape also, and the rest surrendered
themselves Prisoners; after this, Capt. Danks, with his Party,
went up to their Settlement, which they found deserted by the
women and Children; it consisted of about 30 Houses, &c. which
they burnt, together will all their Corn, &c. they also
destroyed a great Number of Canoes, and killed all their
Cattle, Hogs, Sheep, &c. and then returned safe to the Fort
with nine Prisoners, and two or three Scalps, without the Loss
of one of our Men. --

August 28, 1758
Boston Post Boy

New-Haven, August 12 [1758]

Several persons were struck down [by lightning] and lay senseless some time, particularly Capt. Merriman and his Wife, and a French neutral Boy.

October 30, 1758
Boston Evening Post

Wednesday last Capt. Miller arrived here in 6 Days, with Dispatches from our Forces at St. John's River in Nova Scotia, by which we learn, That Brigadier General Monckton had almost finished a strong Fort, just above the entrance of that River, on the same Spot where the French some Time ago erected a Fort, which they afterwards demolished.

August 3, 1758
The Pennsylvania Gazette

BOSTON, July 17.

BY Capt. Dogget, who arrived here last Friday Morning, in
six Days from Chignecto, we have Advice, That about 30 of the
French Neutrals (falsely so called) had come down in the
Night, within about a Mile of our Fort there, and carried off
nine or ten head of Cattle; upon which, next Morning Capt.
Danks, with a Party of about 60 Men (Rangers) went out in
Pursuit of them by Land, whilst another small Party went up
the River with a Sloop, as a Decoy, which had its desired
Effect; for the Frenchmen thinking our whole Force was on
board the Sloop, came down to the Side of the River, upon a
Point of Land, and engaged the Sloop for some Time; upon
which, as hand been before agreed upon, the Sloop drew off,
and went down the River again, as if repulsed; the Monsieurs
then thinking themselves secure, went to diverting themselves
with a Game at Quoits; by which Time Capt. Danks and his Men
had got on the Back of them, and divided his Party into three
Divisions, himself leading the Center, and surrounded them in
such a Manner, that there was not way for the Enemy to escape,
but by crossing the River, which at that Place was very rapid;
our People got within Gun shot before they were discovered,
upon which they fired and killed one Frenchman on the Spot,
and wounded another, twelve others of them immediately took to
the River, four of which were shot dead soon after they jumped
in, and four were drowned before they got half way over, the
other four were seen to land on the opposite Side; three or
four others made their Escape also, and the rest surrendered
themselves Prisoners; after this, Capt. Danks, with his Party,
went up to their Settlement, which they found deserted by the
women and Children; it consisted of about 30 Houses, &c. which
they burnt, together will all their Corn, &c. they also
destroyed a great Number of Canoes, and killed all their
Cattle, Hogs, Sheep, &c. and then returned safe to the Fort
with nine Prisoners, and two or three Scalps, without the Loss
of one of our Men. --

November 10, 1758
The New-Hampshire Gazette

Philadelphia, October 26.

On Thursday last Capt. William George arrived here in the Sloop Ruby, belonging to New-London homeward bound from St. Martin's with Salt, but taken on this Coast by the Prince Edward Frigate, of St. Maloes, Capt. Sibiere du Chatalieu; pierced for 36 Guns, but mounted only 26, a very large ship and sails well.

March 26, 1759
Boston Evening Post

Extract of a Letter from Fort Frederick, St. John’s.

The 5th of March Lieut. Hazzen of the Rangers came in from a Scout of 15 Days, with a Party of 16 Rangers, up the River St. John’s; he brought in with him six French Scalps and six Prisoners. Lieut. Hazzen reports, that he has been to St. Anne’s, which is 140 Miles up this River, from Fort Frederick, to where it was expected he would have found a strong Garrison of the Enemy; but on his Arrival he found the Town vacated, which he set Fire to, burnt a large Mass-House with a Bell of about 300 lb. A large Storehouse, and many valuable Buildings, amounting in the whole to 147, together with a large Quantity of Hay, Wheat, Pease, Oats, &c. kill’d 21 Horses, about 50 Head of Cattle, a Number of Hogs, &c. and that he took the Prisoners and Scalps with 11 of his Party, on his Return near Grimnoss, which is about 85 Miles from this Place, who give an Account that a Number of the Enemy live six Miles back of Grimnoss, and that the Inhabitants of St. Ann’s are chiefly gone to Canada, the Remainder scattered in the Woods : He was pursued by about 30 or 40 of the enemy, but not overtaken, and that he found a large new Schooner up this River which was taken lately by the French from Capt. Grow, he brought one Horse with him to Fort Frederick, where he arrived in good Health without the Loss of one Man.

1759

March 29, 1759
The Pennsylvania Gazette

PHILADELPHIA, March 29, 1759.

On Friday last captain Aitkins arrived here in about eight
Weeks from Lisbon, by whom we have the following Extract of a
letter from that Place, dated the Fifteenth of January.

"You have seen, no doubt, long ago, by our English Papers,
that an Attempt was made the 3d of September last, on his
Portugueze MajestyLife, which was very wisely hushed up for
some Months, and, by the Minister, imputed to a Fall, till he
discovered the horrid Plot that was formed by some of the
principal Nobility and Jesuits, against his MajestyLife,
without any other View but to subvert the Government; however,
Providence, for the Good of his poor Country, happily
interfered, and his Majesty is entirely recovered. The 13th of
last Month several of the principal Nobility were taken into
Custody, and their Crimes being plainly proved, as also from
their own Consessions, the following People suffered
Punishment equal to their horrid Guilt the 13th Instant, viz.

The Marchioness de Tavora was beheaded.

Next followed her Son, Joze Maria de Tavora, who was
strangled, and broke on the Wheel.

The Conde de Attaguia, her Son-in-Law; the young Marquis
de Tavora, her Son; two menial Servants of the Duke, and an
Ensign of Horse, were also strangled, and broke on the Wheel.

Then the old Marquis, who was broke on the Wheel alive,
but received the Coup de Grace on the Breast.

After him came the Duke de Aveira, who was also broke
alive; but had both his Arms broke before he received the Blow
on his Breast.

Last of all, and the most shocking, was a Servant of the
Duke who was burnt alive. There was also the Effigies of
another burnt, who has made his Escape; after which the whole
Scaffold, with the Bodies, were burnt, and the Ashes thrown
into the Sea. It is reported that more Executions will soon
follow, particularly some of the Jesuits, who were the
principal Fomenters in this Plot. Every Thing has been
conducted with great Tranquility, and the Secretary of State
has shewn great Abilities in averting the dreadful
Consequences which would have attended it, had it been
effected."

The Person, whose Effigies was burnt, was taken the Day
before Captain Aitkins sailed. They had heard nothing at
Lisbon of the King of SpainDeath, nor of any Misfortune
happening to Commodore Keppel Squadron.

**The same Day Capt. Wright arrived here from Fyal, and
brought Advice, that the Ruby Transport, William Kelly,
Master, bound to St. Maloes, with 310 of the Inhabitants of
the Island of St. John on board, sprung a Leak in a Gale of
Wind, and being in great Distress, the Captain made the best
of his Way for the Western Islands, and thought to have got to
Fyal; but the Wind shifting, they were obliged to stand for
the Island of Pico, where the Ship struck on the Rocks, and
soon went to Pieces, when 200 of the French perished. They had
no Advice at Fyal of Commodore Keppel putting into Madeira,
nor of his receiving any Damage at Sea.**

Captain Underwood, from Rhode Island for Jamaica, is
taken, and carried to Port au Prince.

And the Humbird, from Virginia to Providence, is cast away.

The Snow Sadler, Captain Fitzherbert, is arrived at Nevis
from this Port.

April 9, 1759
Extract of a Letter from Philadelphia, Dated March 26.

On Friday arrived here Capt. Wright from Fyal, who brings advice, That the Ruby transport, captain Kelly, from St. John's for St. Maloes, with 310 of its inhabitants on board, was by stress of weather drove on the island of Pico and lost, when about 200 of the French perished. This is the 3d or 4th transport bound home from that place and Cape-Breton, that have either foundered at sea, or been cast away, when numbers of the French perished at each disaster.

Headline: Extract of a Letter from Philadelphia, Dated March 26;
Paper: The Boston Gazette, and Country Journal; Date: 1759-04-09; Iss: 210; Page: [3];

April 9, 1759
Boston Evening Post

Boston.

Since our last a Vessel from Fyal, touch'd here, in her Way to Halifax, by whom we learn that a Transport from the Island of St. John's with French Inhabitants, Men, Women and Children, the whole Company on board being 307, was stove to Pieces on the Rocks near that Island, and 213 of the People perished, only 97 Lives being saves. - The Ship belonged to the North of England, the Master's Name is Kelly, and makes the 3d or 4th Transport bound home from that Place and Cape Breton, that have either floundered at Sea, or been cast away, when numbers of the French perished at each disaster.

April 19, 1759
The Pennsylvania Gazette

To the Printers of the PENNSYLVANIA GAZETTE.

GENTLEMEN,

YOU will very much oblige some of your Reader, in giving a
Place in your Gazette to the inclosed Letter, wrote by the
Master of the Duke William Transport, which it is hoped may
have a Tendency to lessen, if not remove, the strong
prejudices which prevail in the Minds of many with respect to
those distressed People, known amongst us under the Name of
French Neutrals; as they are in a great Measure the same Sort
of People with those mentioned in this Letter; many of the
Inhabitants of the Island of St. John having retired from Nova
Scotia, especially at the breaking up of their Settlement, to
that Island. And by Letters which our Neutrals lately received
from Liverpool, they have an Account, that several of their
Children and Relations perished on board the Duke William.

It must be acknowledged, that the imprudent and self
willed disposition which those unhappy People have repeatedly
shewn amongst us, has justly rendered them obnoxious to those
of this Province: Nevertheless, if, in a Spirit of Christian
Charity, we will take the Pains to look into their Case, and
fully consider it; especially the easy and plentiful Situation
they formerly lived in, and the Straits and Difficulties to
which they are now reduced, whereof the frequent Want of
Health, so as often to disqualify them from Labour, is not the
least; such will certainly be led to sympathise with them in
their Distress; especially when it is considered, that what
appears to us in them Imprudence and Self will, with respect
to binding out their Children, &c. arises chiefly from a Want
of Knowledge of Mankind, the Prejudices of Education, and
their inviolable Attachment to their religious Persuasion; out
of which they are taught to believe that there is not
Salvation. In other Respects they are, especially the Old and
Middle aged, generally a virtuous People; and that which
appears Obstinacy in them, arises rather from a Stedfastness
of Heart, which no worldly consideration will induce to
forsake what they apprehend to be Truth; a Principle, which,
tho' it requires Pity when, by the Force of Education, or
Prejudice, it is fixed on the wrong Object, yet as it is noble
in itself, so it strongly calls for Forbearance and Charity
from every considerate Mind: And indeed, the Patience and
Resignation to the Dispensations of Providence, which has
appeared, in the Close of Life, in most all the grown Persons,
who have died amongst us, is a plain Indication of their
Fortitude of Mind, and of that Divine Support which the
Almighty has favoured them with, in that most trying Hour.

I remain, &c. A. B.
[A. B. was Antoine Benezet a Quaker who had gone from France to Philadelphia as Huguenot. It was Antoine Benezet who was instrumental in securing help in the form of lodging, clothing and food for the Acadians exiled to Philadelphia.]

Extract of a Letter from Capt. William Nicholls, of the
Duke William Transport, Pensanze, (a Market Town of Cornwall,
sit 8 Miles East of the Landend, and 65 m. S. W. of
Launceston) Dec. 16.

UNDER the greatest Affliction, I acquaint you. I have been
obliged to leave the Duke William, with 300 French inhabitants
on board, from the Island of St. John, North America, to
sink about 35 Leagues from the Landend, Wednesday the 13th
inst. about 4 oin the afternoon, and believe she could
not keep above water till eight at night. We sailed from St.
Johnon the 5th of November, and on the 29th out ship sprung
a leak, and in a short time had five feet of water in the
hold, but having two spare pumps on board, and a great many
hands to bail, in about 24 hours gained on her, and kept her
in this situation about eight days. On the 9th, being more
moderate, hoisted out the boats, and soddered the ship, by
which means the leak stopped, so that we could keep her with
one pump continually going, having hove everything off the
decks, and out of the hold, we possibly could, to ease her,
but on Monday the 11th, the leak broke out again, and
notwithstanding the four pumps, and such a number of hands
bailing from every hatchway, they could not keep her, so that
by Wednesday morning about five her hold was full of
water, and left off pumping, and hoisted out the boats with
great difficulty, that in case any ships came in sight, we
might save our lives: At nine in the morning we saw two ships
steering towards us, which gave us great hopes; we hoisted the
signal of distress, and fired a great many guns, but they
hoisted their ensigns, and kept away from us; we then cut away
our mainmast, to shew them ore perfectly our distress, but
they took no notice of us, going clear away. At eleven a Snow
passed by, viewing our unhappy situation, and hearing our guns
as plain as we could see their men on the decks, but he
behaved as the other had done before, by running away from us.
The French then gave over all hopes, and said, God had
forsaken them, and they were resigned to death. As in the term
of the Voyage under our misfortunes, they had behaved with the
greatest intrepidity, so in their last moments they behaved
with the greatest fortitude; for seeing our attempts were
frustrated, they came and embraced me saying, they were truly
sensible that I, with all my people, had done all in our power
to save the ship, and their lives, but as I could be of no
farther service to them, begged I would save my own life and
my men. Taking their priest with me, whom I put into the boat
before I went myself over the stern, there being so much sea
the boats could not lie along side her, after we were in, the
boats laid off the ship about half an hour, when their cries,
and waving us to be gone, almost broke our hearts. We then
left them about four in the afternoon, being ourselves
in a most unhappy situation, being persons in number, upwards
of thirty leagues from the Land End by our reckoning, and
our whole provisions amounting to about eight or nine pounds
of bread, our provisions in the gun room being all expended,
and the hold full of water, our mainmast cut away, could get
nothing from thence. In this melancholy situation it pleased
God to conduct us safe to this place.

On Tuesday captain Sugget, in the Violet, with 500 French
on board, hoisted a signal of distress, his fore yard was gone
in the sling, and his mizen mast cut away; I spoke to him the
night before, he told me he could not keep her with his pumps,
so I am afraid he suffered likewise.

All I have to comfort myself under this misfortune is
being sensible I did all in my power to save the ship and
lives, which the poor unhappy sufferers were truly sensible
of, and which made them so willing to let us go; if they had
not, so great a superiority as 300 to 34, might easily have
hindered us.

June 30, 1759
The Boston Evening Post dated September 9, 1759

Halifax, in Nova Scotia, June 30, 1759

Wednesday Morning last Capt. Taggart, and in the Afternoon Capt. Rogers, in two arm'd Vessels in the Service of this Government, arried here form Cape Sable, who with Capt. Cobb, in the same Service, had been sent to bring off a Number of French who had settled there, and who had signified to his Excellency our Governor their Desire of submitting themselves as Prisoners: They inform us, that the Number of Prisoners brought away in three Vessels amounts to 150 Men, Women, and Children, among whom is the famous Mos. Deirumont [D'Entremont] who they esteem both as their Lord and Priest.

July 23, 1759
Boston Evening Post

Extract of a Letter from Albany, Dated July 16. 1759

Last week a fishing Schooner returned to Salem the Master of which informs, that some Time before he with two other fishing Schooners were taken near the Gut of Conso, by a small Privateer of 2 Swivels Guns, and 25 French Neutrals, but that they gave him his Vessel again to bring him and the other Prisoners home; the other Schooners they kept and intended to fit them out in order to intercept some of our Provision Vessels.

August 6, 1759
The Boston Evening Post - [Cap-Sable]

HALIFAX, in Nova Scotia, July 7.[1759]

On Saturday the York and Halifax Sloops of this Province, and the Pilot Schooner, sail'd from hence to Cape Sable, with Passengers on board who lately came here from the Continent, to view the Lands at the Cape, with an Intention of settling there; so that the Inhabitants were removed from thence in good Time, which we are inform'd, is much owing to the Dispatch and skilful Management of Major Phillips, to whom the Governor had sent authority for transacting the Business, and immediately thereon left Annapolis-Royal in the Montague Brigantine, and in two Days after his Arrival at Cape-Sable, with the alert Assistance of the Captains of the Province Vessels, got all the Inhabitants on board, except one Family, which run into the Woods. - It is to be hoped, that the Settlement at Lunenburg will no longer be liable to such Disasters as have lately happened there. We hear that Major Phillips had the thanks of the Governor and Council for his effectual and expeditious Performance of this publick Service.

September 3, 1759
The Boston Evening Post - [Cap-Sable]

Extract of a Letter from a Provincial Officer at Annapolis-Royal, to His Friend in Boston, Dated August 1st, 1759

"On the 12th of June last, I went with a Party, consisting of 100 Men to Cape-Sables, where we took 150 French, and sent them to Halifax, and 8 Shallops, in which we bro't off 54 Sheep, 3 Cows, 4 Heifers, some Hogs, &c. We returned here the 27th of the same Month, all well. - Yesterday a Shallop arrived here from St. John's, by whom we have Advice, that Col. Arbothnot has taken two French Men Prisoner; and that there is a remarkable Time of Health there, as well as here."

September 17, 1759
The Boston Evening Post - [Cap-Sable]

To the Publishers of the Boston Evening Post.

There is nothing at present which I have more at Heart, with relation to temporal things, than to be solicitous that all due Honour be ascribed to our Provincials, when they do any Thing promotive of the publish Service. My Patience therefore was lost when I read the pompous Account in your Paper No. 1249, dated Halifax July 7. 1759 relative to the bringing from Cape-Sable a Number of the French Neutral Families; which acquisition is attributed to the conduct of Mr. Phillips, Town Major of Annapolis-Royal, abetted by the alert assistance of Capts. Toggart, Rogers and Cobb: Whereas in Fact the case was thus.

These perfidious Neutrals came into Annapolis Royal with Terms of Surrender, which being transmitted to Governor Lawrence, he dispatched the arm'd vessels under the Command of the three aforesaid Captains, Capt. Rogers sailï'd some days sooner than the others for Annapolis, for the safe conveyance of Mr. Philips to the Place of Rendezvous at the Cape, while Capt. Taplin with a Detachment of 100 Men from Col. Hoar's Command marched by Land: And, though the Neutrals departed from their former Stipulation, he safely collected them from their skulking holes, and conveyed them to the Vessels waiting to receive them.

Let the impartial World now judge, whether justice is done to our brave Soldiers, who in Defiance of Difficulty, cheerfully obey the Commands of their Officers, and thus do Honour to their Country. Shall such loyal Protectors of an infant Province be denied the Laurels which are their due, while they are meanly wrested from them by those, who when the utmost is ascribed to them, are only the most distant Actors: This Conduct is of a Piece with the well-known Misrepresentation of 1756. When the Glory of reducing Beausejour, was principally ascribed to the Bravery of those Troops, who in a distant Encampment rather retarded than promoted the Reduction of that important Fortress.

I write this plain true Account of this Matter, that the Author of that partial Account from Halifax, may be sensible, that New-England has not lost her Prowess, nor is destitute of those who are Advocates for Truth, and Detectors of Falshood.

Last Friday one Jaques Morris [this was Jacques Vigneau], a French Neutral, was put under Confinement in our Goad on suspicion of carrying on a Correspondence with the French at Quebeck.

1760

April 10, 1760
The Pennsylvania Gazette

PHILADELPHIA, April 10. 1760.

In a Letter from South Carolina, dated the 20th ult. there is
the following Paragraph.

"Tis to be presumed you will naturally expect some News
relative to the present Situation of this Colony, which you
will, in a few Words, conceive, when I assure you, that no
Description can surpass its Calamity. --- What few escape the
Indians, no sooner arrive in Town, than they are seized with
the Small Pox, which generally carries them off; and, from the
Numbers already dead, you may judge the Fatality of the
Disease. Of the white Inhabitants 95; Acadians 115; Negroes
500, were dead two Days ago, by the Sexton Account. About
1500 white Inhabitants, 1800 Negroes, and 300 Acadians, have
had the Distemper, and chiefly by Inoculation."

April 10, 1760
The Pennsylvania Gazette

BOSTON, March 31.

Extract of a Letter from Lord Colvill, to his Excellency the
Governor, dated at Halifax, March 12, 1760.
Last Thursday Morning arrived here Capt. Dorrington from
Halifax, in eight Days. We learn, that a Number of Frenchmen
had lately come into Fort Cumberland at Chignecto, and
surrendered themselves: They gave an Account, that they
belonged to a large French Ship of 20 Guns, bound up the River
St. Lawrence; but being catched in the Ice at Gaspee, and
frozen up, they left her there, and travelled over Land to
Chignecto. We hear that Commodore Lord Colvill had ordered two
of his MajestyFrigates to sail immediately to take
Possession of her.

April 14, 1760
The New York Gazette

"What few escape the Indians, no sooner arrive in Town, than they are seized with the small-Pox, which generally carries them off: and, from the Numbers already dead, you may judge the Fatality of the Disease. Of the white Inhabitants 95; Acadians 115 Negroes 500, were dead two days ago, by the Sexonton's Account. About 1500 white Inhabitants, 1800 negroes, and 300 Acadians, have had the distemper and chiefly by Inoculation."

April 21, 1760
Boston Evening Post

Yesterday arrived here Capt. Doubleday in 9 days from Halifax, and informas, that the Richmond and Eurus frigates sail'd from thence for the river St. Lawrence, last Thursday fe'nnight, and that the rest of his Majesty's ships which wintered there were ready to sail the first fair wind: - He also informs, that Capt. Sweeny in a sloop from Halifax for Old-York was cast away on Cape Sable last January; the Captain and the people were taken off by Capt. Cobb, and bro't to Halifax, where two of them died of the cold soon after: also that Capt. Bowditch of Halifax for Newbury was cast away near the same place the 6th of March the following, the people saved, but the vessel lost.

April 21, 1760
Boston Evening Post

New-York, April 14.

In a letter from South-Carolina, dated the 20th ult. There is the following paragraph.

'Tis to be presumed that you will naturally expect some news relative to the present situation of this colony, which you will, in a few words, conceive when I assure you, that no description can surpass its calamity. What few escape the Indians, no sooner arrive in town, than they are seized with the small pox, which generally carries them of: and fro the numbers already dead, you may judge the fatality of the disease. Of the white inhabitants 95; Acadians 115; Negroes 500, were dead two days ago by Sexton's account. About 1500 white inhabitants, 1800 Negroes, and 300 Acadians, have had the distemper, and chiefly by inoculation.

May 1, 1760
The Pennsylvania Gazette

BOSTON, March 31.

Extract of a Letter from Colonel Frye, to his Excellency the
Governor, dated Fort Cumberland, Chignecto, March 7.

SIR,

"The Sloop Massachusetts, Capt. Saunders, arrived here the
25th of December last, by whom I had the Honour to receive a
Letter from your Excellency, concerning the Troops here, and a
Copy of Mr. MillerPetition concerning his Son, who was left
as a Hostage with Mons. Beausoliel, till he paid the Ransom of
a Vessel taken from him in the Bay of Fundy, by the said
Beausoliel, with your ExcellencyOrders to me in the Affair.

"With regard to your Letter, I take Leave to acknowledge
myself under the deepest Obligations to your Excellency, for
the Honour you have done me, and the Troops under my Command,
by approving of our Conduct in the Service.

"I informed your Excellency in my last, of the 10th of
December, of the Submission of the French Peasants residing at
Merimichi, Rishebucta, Bouctox, Percondiack, and Memevamcook,
made by their Deputies, sent here for that Purpose. On the
30th of January last Mr. Manach, a French Priest, who has had
the Charge of the People at Merimichi, Rishebucta and Bouctox,
with a Number of principal Men of those Places arrived here,
when they renewed their Submission in a formal Manner, by
subscribing to Articles (drawn suitable to the Case) whereby,
among other Things, they have obliged themselves, and the
People they represent, to come to Bay Vert, with all their
Effects and Shipping, as early in the Spring as possible, in
order to be disposed of, as Governor Lawrence shall direct.

"With the French Priest came two Indian Chiefs, viz. Paul
Lawrence and Augustine Michael; Lawrence tells me he was a
Prisoner in Boston, and lived with Mr. Henshaw a Blacksmith;
he is Chief of a Tribe that before the War lived at la Have:
Augustine is Chief of a Tribe at Rishebucta,-- I have received
their Submissions for themselves and Tribes, to His Britannic
Majesty, and sent them to Halifax for the Terms by Governor
Lawrence.-- I have likewise received the Submissions of two
other Chiefs, who I dealt with as those before mentioned, and
was in Hopes (which I mentioned to Mr. Manach) I had no more
Treaties to make with Savages; but he told me I was mistaken,
for there would be a great many more here upon the same
Business, as soon as their Spring Hunting was over; and upon
my inquiring how many, he gave a List of fourteen Chiefs,
including those already mentioned (Copy of which I have
inclosed)_ most of which he said would come.

"I was surprized to hear of such a Number of Indian Chiefs
in this Part of America, and Mr. Manach further told me, they
were all of one Nation, and known by the Name of Micmacks;
that they were very numerous, amounting to near three Thousand
Souls; that he had learned their Language since he had been
among them, and found so much Excellence in it, that he was
well persuaded if the Beauties of it were known in Europe,
there would be Seminaries erected for Propagation of it.----
How that might be is better known to him, than to those who
know nothing of the Language: But I think I may venture to
say, That if there be so many of these Indians, as he says
there are, I know this Province as it abounds very plentifully
with Furrs, may reap a fast Advantage by them, provided Canada
returns not into the Hands of the French."
Names of the Indian Chiefs inhabiting the Coast of Acadia.

June 24, 1760
Boston Post Boy

Extract of a Letter from Governor Lawrence, to the Agent for Nova-Scotia, at Boston, Dated Halifax, 24th June, 1760.

I am ready to receive farther Proposals, in Consequence of his Majesty's Approbation of our Measures, from any Person or Persons who will offer themselves to become Settlers in this Province; and that all due Encouragement shall be given them to the utmost Limits of the Authority with which his Majesty has been graciously pleased to invest the Governor and Council of this Province. -

June 26, 1760
The Boston Weekly News-Letter

Extract of a Letter from an Officer at Quebec, to His Friend in Boston, Dated May 21. 1760

Friday last Capt. Gowel arrived here in 9 Days from Louisbourg, by whom we learn, that the Miners lately arrived there from England were daily employ'd, together with a number of the Garrison in making the necessary Preparations for demolishing that Fortress, in such a Manner, as not to leave one Stone upon another. -

That about 150 French Neutrals from Pictou (on the Cape-Sable Shore near Canso) who went off some Time ago had arrived at Louisbourg, and implor'd the Protection of the British Crown; but as no Dependence can be put in their Fidelity, Governor Whitmore had order'd them to be put on board a Cartel Ship, to be sent to France.

Headline: Extract of a Letter from an Officer at Quebec, to His Friend in Boston, Dated May 21, 1760;
Paper: The Boston Weekly News-Letter; Date: 1760-06-26; Iss: 3618; Page: [2];

June 26, 1760
The Pennsylvania Gazette

NEW YORK, June 23.

The Captain of this Halifax Vessel farther says, that Lord
Colvil carried up the River with him five Sail of the Line,
and three Frigates; and that Commodore Swanton (in the
Vanguard) hand either three or five Sail of the Line, and
several Frigates, when he went up, so that it was supposed we
had about 15 Men of War up St. Lawrence: That the Repulse
Frigate sailed with him on a Cruize; that the Penzance Man of
War was hove down, and would be ready in about ten Days to
proceed to Quebec: That the Louisbourg Garrison was to be sent
to Halifax; and the CAnnon thereof to be transported to
different Part of the Continent. And likewise, that Letters
were received at Halifax from Chignecto, informing of the
Siege of Quebec being raised by the Enemy, who suffered great
Loss.

July 7, 1760
Boston Evening Post

At the Court at St. James's the 15th Day of February 1760.

His MAJESTY's Confirmation of the PLAN for settling the Proivince of Nova-Scotia.
At the Court of St. James's the 16th Day of February 1760.

Whereas there was this Day read at the board, a Representation of the Lords Commissioners for Trade and Plantations, dated the 20th of December last, containing an Account of the Proceedings of the Governor and Council of Nova Scotia, with Regard to the settling the Lands evacuated by the Removal of the French Inhabitants from that Province, as well as other Tracts of Land in the wild and uncleared Part of that Country; and also with Regard to the Terms and Conditions upon which the said Governor and Council have agreed to make Grants of the said Lands: And the said Lords Commissioners being of opinion, That the Plan so laid down by the said Governor and Council, will be a Means of the Speedy settling the vacant Lands in that Province, and therefore proper to receive His Majesty's Approbation.

His Majesty this Day took the said Representation into Consideration, and is herby pleased, with the Advice of His Privy Council, to declare His Royal Approbation of the said Plan, of the said Governor and Council, for the speedy settling the vacant Lands in that Province; and also of the Term and Conditions agreed upon for that Purpose, and doth therefore Order, that the Governor or Commander in Chief of His Province of Nova Scotia for the Time being, do carry the same into Execution.
(Signed) W. Sharpe.

Headline: At the Court at St. James's the 16th Day of February 1760;
Paper: Boston Evening Post.; Date: 1760-07-07; Iss: 1297; Page: [3];

August 14, 1760
The Pennsylvania Gazette

BOSTON, August 4.

Wednesday Morning Capt. Dean arrived here from Halifax,
which Place he left the Saturday before: We have Advice, That
on the 21st of July arrived there the Repulse Man of War, of
32 Guns, from the Bay Chaleurs, and brought in the Crews of
several Vessels which had been taken by the French,
particularly, of the Augustus, Barnabas Velman, from New
London, but last from Louisbourg; Banks, from New York;
Cushing from Casco Bay; Swinney and Maxwell, from Halifax,
bound up the River, which Vessels, on the 16th of May last,
off of Gaspee Bay, happened to fall in with a French Frigate,
and two large Store ships, from Bourdeaux, in France, who took
them all, and carried them into Bay Chaleurs. Some of the Men
that were taken arrived here in Captain Dean, and inform, That
the French had fitted out the Augustus as a Privateer; but was
taken by one of the five Men of War, which sailed from
Louisbourg in Quest of these Ships, as well have already given
an Account: That the French having before left her, by some
Papers found on board, they got Intelligence where the French
Ships were, and accordingly pursued them; when the English Men
of War appeared in the Bay, the French ran their Ships into
Shoal Water, where they were defended by three or four
Batteries, which they had before erected, and planted a Number
of Guns taken from on board their Ships; and only the Repulse
and Scarborough being able to come near enough to engage they
continued the Attack 3 Days, when the Enemy abandoned their
Works, and set two of their Ships on Fire and burnt them, and
most of their Prizes they either burnt or sunk; Then they put
the English Prisoners, whom they stripped and bound, in Irons,
on board the other Ships, which they ran ashore at some
farther Distance, and left them: That soon after they were
left, they found Means to unbind themselves, and one of the
Men swam three or four Miles to our Ships, and informing of
their Situation and Circumstances, nine Boats were mannout,
who went to their Relief, and brought them all away, having
set the Ship on Fire, and burnt her. They say she had a great
Quantity of Provisions and other Stores on board. The Repulse
received considerable Damage in her Hull, Sails, Rigging, &c.
and was put into Halifax to refit.

Extract of a Letter form a Captain of one of His Majesty
Ships of War, dated Halifax, July 23, 1760.

"I wrote you of my being ordered to cruize for the
Protection of the Trade of Canso, since which I received
Orders from Captain Byron, who with a small Squadron, on
Information of some Troops, &c. being in Chaleurs Bay, sailed
immediately in Quest of them; where we found the Machault of
30 Guns, the Bienfaisant, and Marquis, Maloze, Ships of near
700 Tons Burden, with about 40 Sail of Vessels of lesser Note.
The whole are, except a few Shallops, entirely destroyed. And
as La BlancPrivateers are among them, I made no Doubt but
the Vessels may pass with Security. More particularly so, as
the Prince of Orange, and Rochester, with two or three armed
Sloops and Schooners, are cruizing off of Gaspee. As I have
been rather roughly handled, I am refitting here, when I shall
proceed to endeavour an entire demolishing every Hole the
French and Canadians can put their Heads in. I received much
Joy in rescuing the English Prisoners to the Number of Fifty
eight. Our Loss in inconsiderable. Mr. Master wounded, with
about ten more, one of Mr. ByronLieutenants and six or
seven Killed."

We hear further, that on the Arrival of the French Frigate
and Store Ships at Chaleurs, the Commanders sent an Express
over Land to Montreal, with an Account of their Arrival in the
Bay of Chaleurs.

That upon the Return of the Express, which was in 22 Days,
it was said Orders were brought for them to put out from
thence, to proceed and forward their Stores to the Missisippi:
Accordingly they began to get in Readiness: But a great part
of their Ammunition, and other Stores being landed, the
English Ships appeared before they could reship them, and
prevented their Escape. It is thought the Stores landed can be
of no Service to the Troops at Montreal, as it was
impracticable to convey them thither, above 500 Miles, and
through a mountainous Wilderness.

These Vessels sailed form France, with three other
Storeships, and bound to the Relief of the French above
Quebec, but the other three were taken, soon after they left
Port, by some of Admiral Boscawencruizing Ships; and that
upon hearing of the English Ships having got to Quebec, they
put into this Bay, and landed 300 Regular Troops, commanded by
Major Lappeneau, a young French Gentleman, who was well known
in this Town, and at Newbury, just before the present War
broke out; it is said he lost one of his Legs in defending the
Batteries erected against our Ships.

We hear, that the French on board the Frigate, and the
other Vessels, appeared very much out of humour, upon hearing
of the English Ships getting up the River before them. It was
suspected that the English Prisoners, taken in the above six
Vessels, consisting of 59 Men, Women and Children, were put on
board the Storeship to be destroyed.

The Repulse Man of War spoke with two or three others that
were cruizing in the River, and had lately come down from
Quebec who informed that they were uneasy in the City about
the Traders, 28 of which they had heard were in the River, and
but four or five got up. --- But there is no Advice of any
others being taken, besides the six above mentioned, which
were accidentally met with by the Vessels from France.

The Report in Town of 31 of our Provision Vessels being
taken arose from there being such a Number of Vessels
destroyed by our Ships in the Bay of Chaleurs, some of which
had been there many Months, and some were the French Fishing
Vessels.

Capt. Bradford is arrived at Portsmouth, in six Days from
Louisbourg, and informs, That on the 20th ult. in the Gutt of
Conso, he had like to have been boarded by a French
Pettiaugre, which he fired at and beat off sundry Times. ---
The 21st ult. sailed from Louisbourg, for Quebec, the
Racehorse, and 17 Sail, with Stores, Provisions, &c. The 22d
sailed for Halifax 9 Sail, with Cannon and Stores for that
Place. Captain Dorrington, from Boston, was met with by the
Repulse, off Canso.

October 31, 1760
New-London, [Connecticut], October 31.

Yesterday Capt. Mallony, in a Transport from Nova-Scotia, arrived here, (with a Number of Passengers, Inhabitants of that Province, that lately went from this and Rhode Island Colony to Settle there), by whom we have Advice, that on Sunday the 19th Instant, after four Days Illness of a Pleurisy, His Excellency Charles Lawrence, Esq; Governor of that Province, departed this Life, greatly Lamented.

1761

January 8, 1761
The Pennsylvania Gazette

BOSTON, December 22.

Yesterday Morning arrived here Captain Moody, in a
Schooner from Fort Cumberland, in Chignecto, in which came
Colonel Joseph Frye, and all the Officers and Soldiers
belonging to this Province, who have been in his Majesty
Service in garrisoning that Place for the two last Campaigns.
They were relieved by a Detachment of regular Troops,
commanded by Captain McKinsey, the 10th Instant.

December 31, 1761
The Pennsylvania Gazette
BOSTON, December 14.
We hear from Nova Scotia, that some time last month, Capt.
Mackenzie, of Fort Cumberland, having armed two vessels at Bay
Vert, proceeded as far to the Northward as the Bay Chaleurs,
in order to break up a nest of French vermin on that coast,
who have done us so much mischief these two or three years
past, in intercepting our vessels bound to Halifax,
Louisbourg, and the river St. Lawrence, which he happily
effected; and having taken about 240 men, women and children
prisoners, brought them to Bay Vert, together with 8 or 10
small vessels, laden with their effects. All the other small
craft upon the coast he destroyed, so that there need be no
apprehension of any interruption in going up the river next
year, as all the ringleaders of the mischief hitherto done,
with their families, are now prisoners.

1762

August 23, 1762
Boston Evening Post

Boston, August 23, 1762

We also lean, that all the remaining French Neutrals at Nova Scotia, amounting to between 3 & 400, were ship'd on board several Vessels, and were to sail the first fair Wind for ****, and that their Wives and Children were not permitted to embark with them, but ship'd on board other Vessels to be transported to the same place.

[Note: This may well be the ship that Boston refused to accept and was turned back to Nova Scotia.]

Boston Evening Post.; Date: 1762-08-23; Iss: 1407; Page: [2];

August 26, 1762
The Boston Weekly News-Letter

Boston, August 26, 1762

Yesterday several Ships, Snows, and Brigantines, besides a Number of Sloops and Schooners arrived in this Port: Nine of the Vessels were from Halifax, and had on board above 700 French Neutrals (commonly so called) that were collected from several parts of Nova-Scotia and sent here.

Last Thursday, several Transports with about 700 French Neutrals who were sent here some Time ago from Nova Scotia, sail'd back again to Halifax.

Boston, September 30, 1762

We hear that the French Neutrals (so called) who were sent here some time ago from Nova-Scotia, are to return from when they came; the several transports that brought them, and on board of which they have been ever since their arrival here, being under sailing Orders for Halifax.

1763

August 15, 1763
Boston Evening Post

London, June 4.

On Wednesday 220 French neutrals brought to Liverpool from America in 1756, were embarked on board a cartel and sent to France.

August 15, 1763
Boston Evening Post

We hear that the Acadians, commonly known by the Name of French Neutrals, who were removed from Nova-Scotia in the Year 1755, are to be sent to Old France: - A List of those in this Province is taking to send Home, for Transports to be sent to carry them.

August 22, 1763
The Newport Mercury

Boston August 15.

We hear that the Acadians, commonly known by the Name of French Neutrals, who were removed from Nova-Scotia in the Year 1755, are to be sent to Old France: - A list of those in this Province is taking to send Home, for Transports to be sent to carry them.

Savannah, August 25, 1763
Georgia Gazette

"Last week a number of the Acadians who have been here a few years, went on board a sloop for Monto-Christi."

Source: Georgia Gazette.; Date: 1763-08-25; Iss: 21; Page: [3];

September 30, 1763
The New-Hampshire Gazette

Boston, September 26.

One of the neutral French was apprehended a few Days ago; he came from France via London, and arrived here in one of the last Ships; he has been tampering with the Indians, and has in the Name of duke d'Avergne given Assurances to the French that they shall be soon in possession of their Estates again: His Name is Beau-Soleil. -

GEORGIA.

1764

Savannah, February 9, 1764.

The Acadians who lately went from this place for Cape-Francois are to have settlements there, with plantation tools, and two years provisions.

[Note: this did not work out well for the Acadians. Of the seven hundred who went there 400 would die from the heat, hunger and lack of proper housing.]

Souce: Georgia Gazette.; Date: 1764-02-09; Iss: 45; Page: [2]

March 22, 1764
The Pennsylvania Gazette

Charles Town, in South Carolina, February 4.

Extract of a letter from Fort Boone, at Long Canes, dated
the 24th ult.

Feb. 18. The remains of the Acadians that were removed to
this province in the year 1755, and who all went from hence
for Cape Francois in November last, soon after their arrival
there, had land allotted them at Cape Nicola in the Windward
Passage, and are settling at the Platform, where most English
vessels passing to and from Jamaica commonly call for water;
but are by no means pleased, either with their reception or
situation.

March 26, 1764
Boston Evening Post

Charlestown, South-Carolina, Feb. 22. 1764

The remains of the Acadians that were removed to this province in 1755, and who went from hence to Cape Francois in November last, soon after their arrival there, had land allotted them at Cape Nicola in the windward passage, and are settling at the Platform, where most English vessels passing to and from Jamaica commonly call for water; but are by no means pleased with their reception or situation.

Source: Boston Evening Post.; Date: 1764-03-26; Iss: 1490; Page: [2]

April 2, 1764
The Newport Mercury

Savannah (in Georgia) February 9.

The Acadians who went from this for Cape-Francois are to have Settlements there, with plantation tools, and two years provisions.

July 28, 1764
The Providence Gazette And Country Journal

New-London, July 20.

About three of four Months ago, the Brig Mars, Capt. Hanson, sailed from hence for Cape-Francois, having upwards of 40 French Neutrals on board, some of which belonged to this Town; but we are told all of them, except seven, died by a malignant Disease, after Arrival at the Cape.

By a Letter from Hispaniola, received since our lst, dated January 10, we have further Advice of the Mortality among the Acadians, and that at that Time there were about 280 living out of 700.

1765

January 14, 1765
Boston Evening Post

Monday last Capt. Attwood arrived here in but 3 Days from Halifax; by the Papers we learn, that all the Neutrals, (so called) consisting of between 5 and 600, except 4 or 5 Families who have taken the Oath of Allegiance, have embarked on board Vessels for Cape-Francois. They had a weekly Allowance in that Province of Provisions, the same as Soldiers, in hopes of their becoming Subjects of Great Britain. -

Their removing is felt by the Inhabitants in the extraordinary Rise of Wood there, which they tried to cut and supply the Town with.

By Letter from Hispaniola, received since our last, dated January 10, we have further Advice of the Mortality among the Acadians, that at that Time there were but 280 living out of 700.

May 6, 1765
Boston Weekly News-Letter

Extract of a letter from Charles-Town, in South-Carolina, April 13, 1765

We are at last advised again, that our worthy new governor (Mr. Lyttleton) is to come out soon, which gives us no small Joy. - We watch the Acadians narrowly: a detachment from our Militia, besides a hired Watch, and the Soldiers of the Independent Companies, mount Guard every Night. - Upwards of 80 of this People put to Sea in seven canoes, last Thursday evening, intending to cast it along, and pass thro' the inlets to Nova-Scotia: They have obtained passports from the Governor, as we hear about 300 more have. We cannot devise what our G- would be at.

Boston, February 25. 1765
Boston Evening Post

By a letter from Cape St. Nichola, dated Dec. 28, we are informed, that out of seven hundred Acadians that went from these Colonies, four hundred are dead. They had been put to many difficulties; when they were landed they had no house to put their heads, till they built one themselves; they were kept at work like Negroes, allowed no land and had no money for their work.

Source: Boston Evening Post.; Date: 1765-02-25; Iss: 1538; Page: [3]

June 20, 1765
The Pennsylvania Gazette

CHARLES TOWN (South Carolina)

It was reported that 400 Acadians were lately
arrived at New Orleans, and the West Floridans began to doubt
whether the Spaniards would come to take possession of the
said city and island. We are told his Majesty’s ships in the
Bay of Mexico are extremely vigilant in preventing all
clandestine trade between his Majesty’s subjects and the
subjects of Spain.

July 8, 1765
Boston Evening Post

Charlestown, South-Carolina June 5.

It was reported that 400 Acadians were lately arrived at New Orleans.

BOSTON, February 18.

A few Days ago, at a House at the North End, the Nurse
having left a Child in a room below, while she went
above-stairs, it fell into the Fire, and scorched its Face and
Hands to a great Degree: But what rendered it still more an
Object of Commiseration was, a live Coal got down its Back,
which was not discovered till a considerable Time afterwards
when it was undressed, the Fire having penetrated almost to
the Bone. --- It is hoped Accidents of this Kind will be a
sufficient Inducement to Nurses to be very careful how to
leave Children exposed to such Casualties.

We hear from New London, that on the 1st Instant a Child
of Mr. Samuel Calkin, of that Place, fell into the Fire, and
burnt itself to that Degree that it died immediately.

By a Letter from Cape St. Nichola, dated Dec. 28, we are
informed, that out of 700 Acadians that went from these
Colonies, 400 are dead. They had been put to many Difficulties;
when they landed they had no House to put their Heads in, till
they built one themselves; they were kept to work like
Negroes, allowed no Land, and had no Money for their Work.

March 11, 1765
The New-York Gazette

Boston, March 4, 1765

By a Letter from Hispaniola, received since 4 last, dated January 10, we have further Advice of the Mortality among the Acadians, and that at that Time there were but 280 living out of 700.

It was reported that 400 Acadians were lately arrived in New Orleans, and the West-Floridans began to doubt whether the Spaniards would come to take possession of the said city and island.

August 2, 1765
The New-Hampshire Gazette, and Historical Chronicle

London, June 3d and 5th.

Letters from Charlestown, South Carolina, mention, that of the French neutrals settled last summer at Long Canes, seventy-eight have been married to natives of the province since their arrival, fifty-five of whom have already had children now alive, so that this new colony is like to become exceeding populous in a few years.

March 7, 1765
The Pennsylvania Gazette

BOSTON, February 18.

By a Letter from Cape St. Nichola, dated Dec. 28, we are
informed, that out of 700 Acadians that went from these
Colonies, 400 are dead. They had been put to many Difficulties;
when they landed they had no House to put their Heads in, till
they built one themselves; they were kept to work like
Negroes, allowed no Land, and had no Money for their Work.

May 6, 1765
The Boston Weekly News-Letter

Extract of a letter from Charles-Town, in South-Carolina, April 13, 1765

We are at last advised again, that our worthy new governor (Mr. Lyttleton) is to come out soon, which gives us no small Joy. - We watch the Acadians narrowly: a detachment from our Militia, besides a hired Watch, and the Soldiers of the Independent Companies, mount Guard every Night. - Upwards of 80 of this People put to Sea in seven canoes, last Thursday evening, intending to cast it along, and pass thro' the inlets to Nova-Scotia: They have obtained passports from the Governor, as we hear about 300 more have. We cannot devise what our G- would be at.

June 20, 1765
The Pennsylvania Gazette

CHARLES TOWN (South Carolina)

May 29. Letters from Pensacola, in West Florida, of the
4th instant advise, that the congress which the Hon. John
Steuart, Esq; superintendant of the southern district of
America, had been holding for some time with several nations
of Indians, was ended much to the satisfaction of the said
Indians, who had consented that British subjects might settle
and posses any part of their country, within forty leagues
from the sea. It was reported that 400 Acadians were lately
arrived at New Orleans, and the West Floridans began to doubt
whether the Spaniards would come to take possession of the
said city and island. We are told his Majestyships in the
Bay of Mexico are extremely vigilant in preventing all
clandestine trade between his Majesty subjects and the
subjects of Spain.

July 8, 1765
Boston Evening Post

Charlestown, South Carolina June 5

"It was reported that 400 Acadians were lately arrived at New Orleans, and the West Floridans began to doubt whether the Spaniards would come to take possession of the said city and island."

June 20, 1765
The Pennsylvania Gazette

CHARLES TOWN (South Carolina)

May 29. Letters from Pensacola, in West Florida, of the
4th instant advise, that the congress which the Hon. John
Steuart, Esq; superintendant of the southern district of
America, had been holding for some time with several nations
of Indians, was ended much to the satisfaction of the said
Indians, who had consented that British subjects might settle
and posses any part of their country, within forty leagues
from the sea. It was reported that 400 Acadians were lately
arrived at New Orleans, and the West Floridans began to doubt
whether the Spaniards would come to take possession of the
said city and island. We are told his Majestyships in the
Bay of Mexico are extremely vigilant in preventing all
clandestine trade between his Majestysubjects and the
subjects of Spain.

1766

February 24, 1766
The New York Gazette

Copy of a Letter from St. John's Newfoundland, Oct. 28, 1765

"Dear Sir,

I wrote you word, some time ago, that about 200 of the Nova Scotia Mickmack Indians had got over to this Island and had landed in the Bay of Despair, to the Westward; and did suppose they were making the best of their way to the French at the two Islands, Miquelon and St. Peter's (St. Pierre): since which, I am informed that about 150 Acadians, which did not chose to take the oaths, are gone and settled at Miquelon.

Don't you see what all this tends to? Is it not clear that the French are using every stratagem to make the Indians believe that they will still be able to support them? And do they not take every opportunity of shewing their men of war as far up the river St. Laurence as possible? All the French men of war were loaded with goods of various kinds, some part of which was for presents for the Indians, and the rest to smuggle for our fish. - Their men of war were often seen on the banks by our fishermen; then they disappeared for a time, and nobody could say where they were gone notwithstanding our men of ward did everything that could be done in ferreting of them from place to place.

If proper care is not taken of us, this fishery must be lost, and we, in a little time, fall a sacrifice.

I know the opinion of many of the great people at home, that our men of war will be sufficient to protect us; but I will venture to say, that all the men of war in England cannot do it whilst the French settlements are so near us.

The weather will not permit the men of war to keep the seas late, nor even to lie in the harbours in safety; that is the time the French and Indians will make their incursions, and destroy us: and I say that nothing but respectable garrisons with land forces will keep them in awe: - You know that these have always been my sentiments."

Headline: Copy of a Letter from St. John's Newfoundland, Oct. 28, 1765;
Paper: The New York Gazette; Date: 1766-02-24; Iss: 358; Page 1

May 12, 1766
Boston Evening Post

Hartford, April 28, 1766

Last Thursday, as one Joseph Richards, a French Neutral (so called) was assisting in raising a Spout, to a House in this Town, a large Billet of Wood, (that was set under the Ladder, to keep it off from the Roof of the House) accidentally fell on his Head, and fractured his Scull, of which he expired in a few Hours after.

September 1, 1766
Quebec

Quebec, September 1. 1766

The Sloop Industry, Thomas Tucker, Master, bound for Madeira, with Wheat is run on a Reef of Rocks off Beau Mont, a few Leagues frm hence; the vessel and cargo are lost but not lives.

Yesterday morning came to Town, from on board the London, which he left at Coudre, the Honorable Hector Theophilus Cramache, Esq; one of His Majesty's Council for this Province.

Last night came up the Sloop ; Torrey, from Boston: She has brought with her about 40 Acadians, who, for the Benefit of their Religion, are come here to settle.

September 29, 1766
Boston Evening Post

Quebec Sept. 1

Last night came up a Sloop, Capt. Torrey, from Boston; she has brought about 40 Acadians, who for the benefit of their religion, are to come to settle.

Boston Evening Post 1766-09-29 Iss: 1620 page 3

1767

September 28, 1767
Connecticut Courant

NEW LONDON, Sept. 18

On Tuesday last arrived here Capt. Richard Leffingwells in the Brig PITT, in 37 days from Quebec. - He carried from hence, in June last, 240 French Neutrals, all which he landed safe at Quebec except one woman who was sick and entirely helpless before he fail'd.- They were kindly received: - As appears by following

Extract of a Leter from Peter Preshon, their Priest, (who went with them) to the Owner of the Brig, at Norwich, dated Quebec, August 8th, 1767.
[Note: the "Priest" would have been Pierre Prejean assigned by the Bishop of Quebec to conduct the "White Masses" while the Acadians were in exile. Because not priests were allowed near the Acadians at risk of death or imprisonment, the Acadians would hold what was called the “white Mass – meaning the prayers and scriptures were read as there could be no Eucharist without a priest to consecrate.]

Sir,

"We are now at Quebec, had 35 days passage; but it did not seem long to us, by Reason we had a good Master, Mate and Crew; for had we have had one of our own Nation, we could not have had better Usage - We often crowded his Quarter-Deck so he had scarce room to steer, but never had a cross word from him, or any of the crew, the whole passage. We have been better received here than we expected, have a month's provisions given us, and are told we shall not suffer."

Connecticut Courant published Sept 28, 1767

1768

Extract of a letter from Berlin, Dated Oc. 6, 1768;

Paris, October 9. A letter from Brest brings, that a merchant ship has been freighted there on the King’s account, in order to carry over to Guadaloupe 500 men of the regiment of Vermandois. The same letter informs, that the Inconstance Frigate is arrived in that port with eighty Acadians from the Isles of S. Peter and Miquelon, whom the ministry had given orders for bringing over France, on account of the great distress they were reduced to by the English, who practiced all manner of tricks towards them in respect to the cod fishery.

St. Jago De La Vega, April 6, 1786

The Bahama Gazette of the 4th of March informs us, that towards the close of last year [1785], several large French transports, having on board 1000 Acadian families, arrived at New Orleans, from Rochelle [this is an error - the Acadians sailed from Nantes] in France. To these immigrants the Spanish government hath allotted lands in different parts of Louisiana. A number of Acadians, are also expected to settle in the Floridas. This intelligence certainly gives some colouring of probability to the reports we have had, of the cession of those provinces to France being in agitation.

April 17, 1786
New Providence, Naussau.

Nausssau, March 4. Towards the close of last year [1785], several large French transports, having on board about one thousand Acadian families, arrived at New Orleans from Rochelle [this was an error made by the author of the article - the Acadians sailed from Nantes in 1785] in France. To these emigrants the Spanish government hath allotted lands in different parts of Louisiana. A number of Acadians are also expected to settle in the Floridas.

The reluctance which the French inhabitants of Louisiana manifested to a change of sovereigns is within our remembrance. It therefore strikes us as somewhat extraordinary, that Frenchmen should now voluntarily become the subjects of Spain; and gives rise to various conjectures respecting the probable causes that lead to so singular an event.
Accommodating the unfortunate Acadian exiles with territorial establishments carries an appearance of philanthropy, and a wish to alleviate immediate distress; and any application for so benevolent a purpose would command a ready attention at the Court of Madrid. Additional weight might also have been given to such application, by a suggestion of the barrier to American encroachment being strengthened by so considerable an number of subjects, whom every principle of gratitude would prompt to support, with zeal and alacrity, the interests of their new sovereign.

The measures of the French court, however, can seldom be ascribed to such disinterested motives. A keen attention to advantage, either immediate or future, with little hesitation about the means employed, have long been considered the leading feature in their character. The introduction of these Acadian settlers into Louisiana and Florida may, therefore, perhaps, without much violence, be regarded as a measure preclusive to another change in the sovereignty of those countries. The unwieldiness of the Spanish American empire, the great expense of the civil and military establishments in Louisiana and Florida, without any returns whatever from either, to compensate it in any degree; these considerations may, at no very distant period, give efficacy to any overture, from the politick court of Versailles for a cession of the countries in question; more especially, if accompanied with a proposition to guarantee to Spain her other trans-atlantick dominions.

Acquiring the possession of the extensive fertile regions of Louisiana and Florida is an important object to France. They yield in abundance every article of American produce, which either herself or her West-India colonies stand.

1789

The Connecticut Gazette February 10, 1789

[Died in Hartland, Vermont] - In this city, Mrs. Dowset, aged 103 years. She was born at Annapolis Royal, and brought to this town about the year 1755, being one of the neutral French, then so called.

The Acadians of St. Mary's, Camden County, Georgia

In the 17th century, the Acadians settled in the French provinces of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island. Many of the original settlers were from the La Chausee, Poitou; Aunis; Angoumois; and Saintonge areas of France.

Acadians were known as hard workers. They lived in extended families and were generally non-materialistic. Their population in the New World grew steadily for many years.

In 1710, France lost Acadia and the English took over the rule of the lands. For the next 45 years, the Acadians lived relatively peacefully under English rule.

In 1755, the English began what was to be known as Le Grand Derangement or The Great Diaspora. Thousands of Acadians were forced to flee the area. Over 6,000 fled by boat while thousands of others fled on foot. One of the main reasons for their expulsion was the English government's desire to take over the rich lands of Acadia. One of the other reasons was their Catholic faith - and their refusal to abandon it.

Some sources claim that 20%-50% of the Acadian population died during this time. The main causes of death include starvation, exposure, and disease. The Acadians were refused refuge by every colony, including Georgia*, except Maryland. Reasons for the state's turning their backs on these refugees may range from religious differences, the colonies being heavily Protestant (except for Catholic-heavy Maryland), to an unwillingness to get in the middle of an French-English feud. *Some local accounts state that it was the Acadian's own need to travel that caused them to not settle in Georgia. My own research does not support this idea as Acadians were generally thought to be very stable people who would have happily settled in any land that would support them.

During this time, apparently in an attempt to blend-in, some Acadians changed their names. LeBlanc became Whites, Bruns became Browns.

The French government decided to build a colony on the island of Saint Domingue or Santa Domingo. The wandering Acadians were sent for and eventually some made it to the island. Here they were promised adequate food, housing, and work. Instead they were starved, mistreated, and forced to work for the Crown building a Naval Port. In fact, it is estimated that approximately 20% died while en-route, via ship, to Santa Domingo. Their bodies were dumped at sea without ceremony. By 1765, some Acadians were asking to leave. Some Acadians actually made it out legally. Others fled by any means possible.

In the 1790s the native Haitian people revolted against the French. Mistreated, malnourished, and landless, the Acadians that were able fled to other areas, including the southeastern United States. This time, Georgia welcomed them into the state. While most Acadians moved on to other parts of the country, such as Louisiana, a few settled in St. Marys, Camden County, Georgia.

The headstone of Joseph Desclaux is in French. Click here for text.

Marguerite Comeau, who died in 2/1/1829 and is buried in St. Marys Oak Grove Cemetery, is the only settler who was actually born in Acadia. The others, her descendents, were born either in France, Santa Domingo, or in Georgia. She married Joseph Desclaux (1757-4/28/1826). Joseph was born in Therault, France. He was in Santa Domingo and fled with other Acadians. Their daughter, Francoise Angelique Desclaux (1/12/1804-6/3/1864) married Jacques Vocelle on 11/26/1829. Jacques, who was also born in Santa Domingo, died on 11/18/1869 at 82 years of age. All are buried in St. Marys Oak Grove Cemetery. James T. Vocelle, who wrote the first History of Camden County book, is descended from these Acadians.

1768

Extract of a letter from Berlin, Dated Oc. 6, 1768;

Paris, October 9. A letter from Brest brings, that a merchant ship has been freighted there on the King’s account, in order to carry over to Guadaloupe 500 men of the regiment of Vermandois. The same letter informs, that the Inconstance Frigate is arrived in that port with eighty Acadians from the Isles of S. Peter and Miquelon, whom the ministry had given orders for bringing over France, on account of the great distress they were reduced to by the English, who practiced all manner of tricks towards them in respect to the cod fishery.

September 28, 1861
THE CHARLESTON MERCURY

THE LAGOONS OF THE MISSISSIPPI.

INTERESTING SKETCH OF FORT CHENE.

Few who have ever beheld the boundless swamps that girdle
the mouths of the Father of Waters will fail to recognize the
following graphic picture of Fort Chene and its environs, given
by a correspondent of the New Orleans Crescent:

The vast swamps that flank the Louisiana coast, cut up into
marsh islands of every conceivable shape and size by tortuous
bayous and lagoons that interlace each other in the most
inextricable manner, afford many inlets of approach to our
towns and valuable sugar plantations between this place and
Texas. - This portion of the Mexican Gulf coast and its
estuaries were surveyed for the United States Government in
1853; but in the years 1857 a much more complete and thorough
survey was made for the Navy Department, the expedition being
engaged for eight months in the work, and acquiring a more
general and perfect knowledge of this great wilderness of mud
and water than even the Acadians whose little cottages dot the
stray cases of dry ground. The triangulations, measurements
and soundings, taken by this surveying party, are all on file
in the Navy Department at Washington, and copies of them as a
matter of course, are on board of every blockading vessel along
the coast.

At the same time it may easily be supposed that our
Government was acquainted with the same subject, and that Gen.
Twiggs has had his eyes upon every vulnerable point along our
Gulf line, and is rapidly repairing them for defence against
nautical raids for the destruction of our property.

Forts have sprung up from swamps and batteries loom up
along bayous as if by the waving of some magician wand. The
lazy alligator, who never saw more of civilization than the
swift skimming of an adventurous pirogue, now gapes in wonder
at the tramping sentry who paces his newly- made shell-walk,
and the white crane starts upon a flutter of apprehension as it
discovers the grim muzzles of cannon peering over
innocent-looking grassy mounds. The quick sounds of the drum
answer to the gentle splashing of the lagoon, and the shrill
notes of the clarion at earliest dawn startle the birds from
their rest.

This is a curious and interesting region, the vast and
partly unknown gulf swamp of Louisiana. To explore it requires
compass and quadrant as much as to traverse the ocean, and a
boat an journey for days and weeks through tortuous bayous and
lakes, and lagoons, without reaching any definite place of
direction, unless guided by some old hunter who knows the route
well, or by solar observations. In fact, the inter-lacing and
branching inlets form a perfect labyrinth, whose intricate ways
might bring the inexperienced voyager back to the point he
started from after days of toilsome process. Illustrative of
this, there is a singular belief among many of the
simple-hearted Acadians of Terrebonne that at night a ghostly
canoe, impelled by a ghostly occupant, skims with almost
lightning speed over the still waters around the Beouf, the
Penchant and the Chene, forever winding in and about the maze
of bayous. This Dutchman"of the swamp they explain to
be the spirit of a hunter who got lost among the meandering
estuaries, and who, after his powder gave out, finally died a
miserable and lone death, unable to find his way to succor.
And his spirit, they say, finds the swamp its purgatory, and is
vainly trying to make its way out of the bayous to the
consecrated precincts of a cemetery.

It is in the very heart of this swamp, upon a narrow,
marshy point, where a broad bayou branches off into two
important channels, that Fort Chene stands, defended by the
Perseverance Guards, from this city; and thither our wandering
"took his way a few days since to see something of this
strange locality, and learn how boys" were enjoying
themselves. From Brashear city the means of communication is
by a little steamer in the Government employ, that is said to
travel easily upon a heavy dew, which is an advantage in a
locality where few can tell the line of demarcation between
what is undoubted water and that which may be complimentary
termed land. The not over-swift Emma passes through several
luxuriant sugar plantations, and then enters the unmitigated
swamp, to bring you in a few hours to Fort Chene.

Here, by the labor, first of the slaves sent from
neighbouring plantations, and afterward of the hardy volunteers
from the precincts of No. 13engine house, we discover a fine
fortification, mounted with heavy guns, that commands an
important entrance, from the Gulf, where a mile or two of the
enemy approach can be raked by our shot and shell. A moat,
that has become the favorite playground of sportive young
alligators, protects the glacis, and the rear approach is held
by a stout palisade, loop-holed for musketry, shell-walk for
parades around the barracks and hospital, and a narrow plank
path around the point for the sentries, are the only places
outside the fort where there is no immediate danger of sinking
up to the waist. While this prevents the possibility of a land
assault, it also gives to the defenders, in the event of an
attack, the alternative of victory of the Torgugas.

The barracks are well built of rough plank outwardly
resembling very much the hotel extensions at watering-places,
but inwardly surpassing those bachelor retreats in the way of
neatness, order and comfort. The hospital is a small cottage
still further back from the fort than the barracks, with a
pleasant portico in front for the use of convalescents. It had
but three inmates yesterday and, these getting along favorably.
With a very slight stretch of the imagination a person here
could imagine himself a sojourner for pleasure at a fashionable
watering place, where his physician insisted upon regular hours
and diet, and plenty of active exercise. It is a noticeable
fact that many of the soldiers at this place find it impossible
to button the jackets that fitted them so easily before they
left the city. The bathing and fishing is unexcelled.

Capt. John Rares hide, with Lieut. L. L. Blow and Henry, and
Edward Rareshide, have effected great things at this post, and
their efforts have been heartily met by the co-operation of
Sergeants Taylor, Harsey, Savage, Lardner and Winne, and every
man of the command. The strictest discipline is maintained and
cheerfully accorded by the volunteers, who have but to know a
wish of their officers to execute it. The drill, police
management, and every camp duty is fully up to the regular
standard, and if the enemy ever do accord the Perseverance boys
such a favour as to call upon them, we think, they will soon
wish they were in Dixie.

Chapter VI

The Colonial History to the War of the Revolution

[Note: Paul Bujaud and his family had been exile in Chester, Pennsylvania whereas Jean Landy [Landry] had been exiled with his family in Darby. Both are mentioned in this publication.]

those who had not been in arms, to take the oath of allegiance to the British monarchy unconditionally. This being refused, because it was a violation of the treaty, Lawrence expelled the Acadians from Nova Scotia, confiscated their property (excepting their money and household goods), burned their dwellings, and wasted their estates. In this wantonly cruel act husbands and wives, parents and children, were torn apart and transported to different parts of the British American Colonies, while the vessels which carried them were so crowded that many died on the voyage. On Aug. 11, 1755, Governor Lawrence wrote to Governor Morris, of Pennsylvania, that he had shipped one hundred and sixty-eight men, women, and children to the latter province.1 This letter, which was brought by the vessels on which the Acadians came, was received November 19th, and Council immediately commanded that a guard should be placed over the ship to prevent the landing of the exiles, but fresh provisions and necessaries were ordered to be delivered on board, and continued to be sent until Council determined what should be done with these people.2 On the 25th of the same month Governor Morris, by message, informed the Assembly that he had the French Neutrals landed at Providence Island, as the doctor had reported that it would be dangerous to have them remain longer in the crowded vessel.3 Early in December it was officially reported that in the ships "Hannah," "Three Friends," and "Swan" four hundred and fifty-four out of the five hundred French Neutrals assigned to Pennsylvania had been received at Providence Island. Governor Morris, touched at the wrongs these unhappy exiles had suffered, strove earnestly to reunite those families which had been separated in transportation.4 On Feb. 20, 1756, the Assembly passed an act dispersing the Acadians in the several counties of Philadelphia, Bucks, Chester, and Lancaster, and making provision for their maintenance.5 By the act three commissioners were appointed in each of the counties named to distribute the Acadians among the people, locating only one family in a township, and to have a supervisory care over them. Nathaniel Pennock, Nathaniel Grubb, and John Hannum were the commissioners named for Chester County. The Governor failing to approve the bill promptly, on March 3d a committee from the Assembly waited on him to know what "he had done" with it, and on the 5th he signed it. When the law was attempted to be enforced, the Neutrals claimed to be prisoners of war, but Governor Morris and Council, after considerable delay, decided, six months subsequent to the promulgation of the act, that under the treaty of Utrecht they were subjects of Great Britain.6 Jan. 14, 1757, an additional act was approved, empowering the binding out and settling of the Acadians under age, and providing for the maintenance of their aged, sick, and maimed at the expense of the province. The unfortunate people, feeling the injustice that had been visited on them, having lost heart and refusing to work, were soon in the utmost want. One week subsequent to the passage of the law just mentioned, William Griffith informed Council that unless something was immediately done many of the French Neutrals would perish. Already death had been busy among them, for shortly after they landed more than one-half of them had died.7 On March 21,1757, Governor Denny, caused the arrest of five of the Neutrals at the request of Lord Loudoun, two in the city of Philadelphia, one in Frankford, "Paul Bujaud in Chester, and Jean Landy (Landry) in Darby," because they were "suspicious and evil-minded persons, and have and each of them hath at divers Times uttered menacing speeches against his majesty and his liege subjects, and behaved in a very disorderly manner."8 No wonder; for surely the poor men who were thrown in jail in Philadelphia had every reason to utter menacing speeches against the Hanoverian scoundrel who then sat on the throne of Great Britain. In Chester, before the act authorizing the overseers of the poor in the several townships to bind out the children of the Acadians, the former officials had in many cases refused to receive the exiles or minister to their wants, hence many of the latter had died with smallpox; but after the law of Jan. 14, 1757, became operative the condition of the Neutrals was considerably improved. The burden of their support, however, aroused the taxpayers of that day, and when four years later it was found that seven thousand pounds had been expended in the support of the exiles, a committee of the Assembly was appointed to inquire into the condition of these people, and to ascertain whether the cost of their maintenance could not be lessened. It was, after investigation, reported that the reason their children had not been bound out to service was mainly owing to the religious opinions of their parents, who feared that their offspring might be surrounded with objectional influences in the families of the English settlers or their descendants. The result of the report was finally the repeal of the law providing for the support of these exiles. The glamour of Longfellow's genius has made the wrongs of these Acadians more familiar to the popular mind than any of the many harsh and unjustifiable acts of ministerial minions in American colonial history, but to the student, the story of the banishment of these ignorant French people is a mere incident, the happening of which had little or no influence in shaping the direction of events. Even at that time among the Northern colonies the impression was being made on some thoughtful minds that at no distant day there would be an absolute separation from the mother-country.

This is an interesting ad found recently. The English always said the Deportation of the Acadians from their lands was never about money or profit from their lands and that all lands would be given to English settlers as grants.